Why Sam Cassell should be the top coaching option if Gregg Popovich was to retire

It is difficult to believe that the great Gregg Popovich's days in San Antonio are either numbered or a thing of the past. The Popovich-Spurs saga has been one of the greatest in professional sports history. Over their 27-year partnership, the team has won over 1,400 games, had countless heroic playoff moments, and reached the NBA Finals six times, winning on five occasions.

In the present day, the Spurs are currently positioned near the bottom of the Western Conference. Many would understand if Popovich does not feel pressured to decide on his return as quickly as others might, given the standing of his team.

He would not be coming back to a team on the verge of a deep playoff run. Instead, this team is focused on fighting and improving in every way possible. Therefore, Coach Pop's absence during this period is not necessarily a negative thing.

The Spurs will have endless options if Coach Pop doesn't return

As Popovich's future remains uncertain, the front office could begin respectfully considering potential candidates to replace him. Interim head coach Mitch Johnson is at the top of the list due to his strong relationship with the organization and his ability to keep the Spurs competitive this season. He has a few questionable lineup mishaps, but you can consider this a learning curve for him.

Former Spurs assistant and current head coach of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, Becky Hammon, is a name frequently mentioned in connection with the potential coaching vacancy. This is understandable, as the relationship between Hammon and the Spurs remains strong.

She also has a proven track record of success at a high level when given the opportunity to lead a team. Hammon has tasted championship gold twice in her three seasons in Sin City.

Offensive masterminds James Borrego and the recently unemployed Taylor Jenkins, will also be among the most sought-after names this summer. Each has their own ties with the Spurs. However, there is one specific candidate who has the potential to make an even more significant impact than the others.

An ex-NBA Champion could be just what this young team needs

A change in identity is exactly what this team needs. They are improving, albeit slowly, as they navigate what has been a rollercoaster season. Losing both Popovich and Victor Wembanyama, who is regarded as one of the best in the league, is detrimental to this Spurs team.

Coach Johnson has managed to keep things afloat throughout the year, even as he experiences the same growing pains as his players. It’s clear that something is still missing.

Sam Cassell has been an assistant coach in the NBA for nearly two decades and should have been a head coach before John Cena got his bald spot. Over the years, Cassell has been praised for his efforts as an assistant, demonstrating that he has the skills necessary to lead a team.

Cassell is a four-time NBA champion. He won back-to-back titles with the Houston Rockets in the mid-1990s and claimed another championship at the end of his playing career with the Boston Celtics in 2008. His fourth title came from the Celtics' championship run last summer, during which he was in his second season as an assistant coach with the team.

Outside of his 15 years as an assistant coach and his championship experience, Sam Cassell can address a specific area of need for San Antonio. The Spurs have been one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA over the last five years.

In a league that increasingly emphasizes winning games from beyond the arc, Cassell would bring his sharpshooting techniques along with the valuable experience he gained with the Celtics, who have been the best three-point shooting team in the NBA since 2021.

Cassell's adaptability is another significant advantage over other candidates, as he can connect well with this young roster. This group is still trying to find its identity, and it needs someone who has experienced challenges as a professional athlete himself. Few understand the fast-paced lifestyle of the NBA and the importance of maintaining discipline better than a 15-year veteran.

It remains to be seen whether Popovich will retire. There is a strong possibility that he will still be at the center of it all before the 2025-2026 season. Fans would love to see the beloved head coach return to San Antonio; however, many also recognize that several candidates could make a significant impact on the franchise's future, with Cassell standing out above them all.

Regardless, whoever has the honor of coaching this team, should Pop not return, will be a fortunate individual. They will inherit a superstar duo in Wemby and rookie of the year, favorite Stephon Castle, supported by great role players.

Additionally, the Spurs organization still has valuable draft capital to utilize in the future. Most notably, the Spurs are also expected to have a brand-new arena in downtown San Antonio, surrounded by an entertainment district, shortly, which will further enhance this franchise's credibility going forward.

Things are looking up in the Alamo City. They just need the right coach to steer the wagon.