Doc Rivers hires Sam Cassell and Dan Burke to 76ers coaching staff
Today feels like Christmas morning for the Philadelphia 76ers. Shortly after hiring Daryl Morey as the President of Basketball Operations, Doc Rivers has made some more additions to his coaching staff in Philadelphia.
Dave Joerger was brought in to be a lead assistant for Doc about 2 weeks ago and if that wasn’t enough, Sam Cassell is now joining Doc Rivers in Philadelphia. His exact role is currently unknown but he will likely lead the charge on developing the Sixers younger players.
John Wall credits Cassell for his development during his first few years in Washington. Sam has been an assistant with Rivers since 2014 and was widely regarded as a head coaching candidate. It comes as no surprise that Doc would want him here in Philadelphia.
Cassell wasn’t the only big hire. Rivers also brought in Dan Burke earlier today. Burke was an assistant with the Indiana Pacers for 19 years. Mainly known for his defense, it’s likely to be expected that he will be the lead defensive assistant for the Sixers under Rivers.
With this move it likely means that Ime Udoka will not return to Philadelphia but Burke has been a fantastic coach. There is a little blemish on his resume though.
Burke will also be joined by Peter Dinwiddie as additions coming from Indiana and both were highly regarded by Pacers fans during their tenure.
Alex Rucker is expected to be let go as well as Ned Cohen will remain in his current position.
What a day to be a 76ers fan.
Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
[…] Over the last few months, the Philadelphia 76ers couldn’t miss. After a disappointing end to the NBA’s Disney Bubble, the fan base and the city were left broken and uncertain about the future. Things took a sudden turn after parting ways with Brett Brown. The Sixers went out and signed Doc Rivers to coach the basketball team. From there, they brought in a coaching staff that now has well respected names such as Dan Burke and Sam Cassell. […]