Sam Cassell: Ubuntu Killer? ( Frustrated with lack of playing time )

[Chris]

That's why I always hate when people jump the gun when something is written in an article. EVERYTHING is almost always taken out of context, and they pull quotes from everywhere just to make it fit their story, regardless of what the situations were when things were said. Also, in interviews, body language and nonverbal behavior are so important, and people seem to take them for granted. Just seems to me that there are many people willing to hear what is being said, and very few willing to actually listen to what is being said, especially listening for understanding.

It reminds me of last week when people started accusing Ray of throwing Rondo under the bus... it bothers me quite a bit.

Agree completely.  It drives me nuts.

But even more than that, these guys are pros, who are going for a championship.  If they would actually let something like that affect them in the slightest bit, then they don't deserve to take the court.

[johnnyrondo]

When Sam speaks, he tends to be very much about "me." I also notice that when Sam refers to his play, he only talks about his shot and scoring. He doesn't seem to mention being a playmaker or playing defense.  So reality is even if he scores 10 in a game, how many points is he giving up on defense and how much does his ballpounding/ballhogging subtract from others. Sam could of been a good insurance policy for Rondo, but based on his lack of defense, his counter productive style on offense, and his me first comments in the media, maybe we should of gotten someoneelse as the insurance policy (tyrone Lue?) and just let Eddie keep playing. I think if we hadn't jerked around Eddie's minutes, he'd be shooting the ball better too.

[BudweiserCeltic]

When Sam speaks, he tends to be very much about "me." I also notice that when Sam refers to his play, he only talks about his shot and scoring. He doesn't seem to mention being a playmaker or playing defense.  So reality is even if he scores 10 in a game, how many points is he giving up on defense and how much does his ballpounding/ballhogging subtract from others. Sam could of been a good insurance policy for Rondo, but based on his lack of defense, his counter productive style on offense, and his me first comments in the media, maybe we should of gotten someoneelse as the insurance policy (tyrone Lue?) and just let Eddie keep playing. I think if we hadn't jerked around Eddie's minutes, he'd be shooting the ball better too.

Yet Eddie wasn't benched in Detroit because he was shooting poorly. He got benched because he simply couldn't get us into an offensive flow with Detroit's pressure. Surely, if House was shooting lights out he would've been given more of a chance, but you can't have both (poor shooting and being unable to get our offensive set going).

And I think his lack of defense is getting a bit overblown here... I thought he did the best job on Stuckey the other night. Who would've thought? And I've thought his defensive rotations have improved from game to game throughout the whole playoffs.  He still gets beat by faster PGs, but it's not because of lack of effort or because of his poor defense in my opinion. I've seen him quite active on the defensive end, and for the most part getting good defensive rotations, at least improving from game to game.

[rondohondo]

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/52705/20080526/cassell_is_frustrated_with_lack_of_playing_time/

If I was Sam I would just be quiet and patient. The way Rondo was handling the ball at the end of game 3 makes me think we might see more cassell in the 4th quarter if the matchups are right. Rondo was just lobbing rainbow passes around the court when Detriot was making a come back, he needs to be more careful with the ball and not let the trap rush him.

[wdleehi]

Sam needs to pick up the pace if he wants more floor time. 


Both offensively and defensively.

[RebusRankin]

Sam needs to shut up and play.

[Chris]

People need to stop cherrypicking quotes (Realgm I mean).  If you read the whole article (or the one in the globe), you realize that he isn't complaining about playing time.  He is just saying that it has been difficult to deal with less playing time because its not what he is used to, but he understands why he was sitting.

[libermaniac]

Sam needs to shut up and play.

Amen!  In EVERY interview I've heard from him, he's always talking about HIS playing time and never telling them that it does not matter - like most team players would.

Also, once he got benched for House in the Cleveland series, Eddie was the CLEAR sparkplug in that series, yet Cassell never acknowledged that.  Then, once Cassell got his chance in the last game, he turned it over the first two times he touched it.  Not impressed.

[wdleehi]

Sam needs to shut up and play.

Amen!  In EVERY interview I've heard from him, he's always talking about HIS playing time and never telling them that it does not matter - like most team players would.

Also, once he got benched for House in the Cleveland series, Eddie was the CLEAR sparkplug in that series, yet Cassell never acknowledged that.  Then, once Cassell got his chance in the last game, he turned it over the first two times he touched it.  Not impressed.

How was House a sparkplug? 


The Celtics continued to win home games and lose road games. 

[cdif911]

People need to stop cherrypicking quotes (Realgm I mean).  If you read the whole article (or the one in the globe), you realize that he isn't complaining about playing time.  He is just saying that it has been difficult to deal with less playing time because its not what he is used to, but he understands why he was sitting.

I agree - the more these quasi-contextual quotes appear... add in this part:

“All of this is brand new for me. I’ve never been in this situation before. I understand (it), and it’s a role that it takes time to get comfortable with. I’m not complaining about it, but it just takes time to get comfortable in the role.” - Boston Herald

and it becomes a different quote entirely - He's not complaining, just saying what's on his mind

I think the more local guys get painted as villains, the less trust they'll have for the media and the less of these types of quotes we'll see at all - there was an interesting article about how no one knows what KG is really like because of how the media doesn't have the access they used to (due to an oversaturation of press passes) - this phenomena will continue, as guys who say whats really on their minds get misquoted.. before long they'll say nothing at all

[SleepyPete]

Sam needs to shut up and play.

Amen!  In EVERY interview I've heard from him, he's always talking about HIS playing time and never telling them that it does not matter - like most team players would.

Also, once he got benched for House in the Cleveland series, Eddie was the CLEAR sparkplug in that series, yet Cassell never acknowledged that.  Then, once Cassell got his chance in the last game, he turned it over the first two times he touched it.  Not impressed.

How was House a sparkplug? 


The Celtics continued to win home games and lose road games. 

I saw House hitting the occasional wide open 3, settling down the team/not bogging down the offense, and diving on the floor for a lot of 50-50 balls.  Also, he had a huge assist on PJ Broown's jumper in game 7 of the Cavs series.  Our lead had dwindled to only 1 and we had lost all momentum until that play stopped the bleeding.

[BudweiserCeltic]

People need to stop cherrypicking quotes (Realgm I mean).  If you read the whole article (or the one in the globe), you realize that he isn't complaining about playing time.  He is just saying that it has been difficult to deal with less playing time because its not what he is used to, but he understands why he was sitting.

Seems like there are too many fans of bad soap operas around.

[nickagneta]

First Eddie House. Then Tony Allen. Then Ray Allen. Now Sam Cassell.

Seems we hit the postseason and suddenly the entire team needs to vent.

I think talking about a lack of playing time is in someways a good thing. You never want someone on your bench that is happy about a lack of playing time.

Eddie probably had a bit of a right to complain after playing all year and then suddenly finding himself sitting when it counted most.

Tony Allen shouldn't say a thing, he hasn't earned the right to play.

Ray probably shouldn't have tried to throw blame elsewhere for his shooting woes.

Sam, I think was just answering a question candidly and commenting on his adjustment to not being what he once was.

But, every single one of them should have kept their mouths shut. There's no law that says you have to answer a question when asked one. This is not the time of year that even a sliver of dissent should be allowed to be put into the interpretation of a comment one makes. Think before you talk and only say the things that will look positively about your team, coach, and teammates.

[Neurotic Guy]

First, we do realize that we have absolutely no idea how these comments have impacted 'Ubuntu', don't we?

It's possible that this team is VERY connected and perhaps is 'family' enough at this point to handle the expression of frustration.  These are highly competetive and intense people who can't help but express their feelings.  I see no public blame in his comments unless you really stretch between the lines.  I see a frustrated competitor who wants to play.  I hope -- and choose to believe -- that Sam, Eddie, Ray, Tony and the rest are placing winning ahead of their personal frustrations.  Their desire is to win and hopefully it is confidence in their belief that they can help the team rather than the shame of not playing that is driving their frustration.  Hopefully, everyone will have their moments of contribution. 

If Sam's comments are 'killing Ubuntu', I'd be very surprised.

[jengetz]

I love Sam Cassell. He's like that family member that's always making obnoxious comments. But once Sam gets in the zone and starts knockin down 3s, you gotta love that old bastid.

And frankly, we are way too obsessed with soundbites. Athletes are expected to speak after every game, and they're not spokespeople. Anyone who expects any kind of substance or breaking news to come from a player's mouth needs brain surgery--except Charles Barkley, he's hilarious.

Seriously though, any professional player should be unhappy with less playing time. Just like with wide receivers that want all the passes, that's the mindset you want to see, as unsavory as it may come across. As long as Sam uses that frustration to get him back on track, back running the plays right, and back to the Sam Cassell that brought him here in the first place. That frustration can be positive, if it ultimately lights a fire. And a hot Sam Cassell is one ingredient that will win the whole thing.