Atlanta Hawks: 5 long-term options to replace Lloyd Pierce as head coach

4. Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell doesn’t fit the description of having NBA head coaching experience either, but he’s yet another well-respected assistant who’s due for his shot. He’s been an assistant in the league for more than decade now, and star guards like John Wall, Bradley Beal and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have credited him for the role he played in their development.

That kind of guard-whispering pedigree would have to appeal to a team like the Hawks, who are trying to build a potent offense around star point guard Trae Young. Cassell played a prominent role in constructing the LA Clippers’ offense under head coach Doc Rivers and has a prominent voice with the Philadelphia 76ers after following him there.

Cassell has experienced winning at every level of his career, both as a player and as an assistant coach. If the Hawks open up their search to external candidates, Cassell should be on their list of interviews.