Cassell Is Eager to Coach as He Looks to the Future

PHOENIX —  Coach Cassell?

In preparation for his post-playing career, point guard Sam Cassell said he hoped to coach the team’s entry in summer-league play. The 13-year veteran wants to lead the Clippers when he retires, and he’s eager to practice.

“I want to get out there and show what I can do,” said Cassell, who had 14 points in Wednesday’s 126-95 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

“I’d like to do it this summer. I just want to get ready to take that next step. This is where I want to be, so why not just get it started now?”

Assistant coaches usually handle summer-league duties, and Cassell said he wouldn’t displace a member of Coach Mike Dunleavy’s staff.

He would, however, appreciate an opportunity to coach at least one game.

“Everybody knows how I play the game, the only thing I care about is winning, and I’ll bring the same thing to coaching,” Cassell said. “It’s not about trying to step on any toes or anything like that.

“Mike’s staff is great and they’re all my guys. I’d only want to do one game. That’s all I need.”

Cassell, 36, is in the final year of his contract. He said he hoped to play at least two more seasons as a backup to promising point guard Shaun Livingston, and the Clippers are expected to try to re-sign him.

“When I’m coaching, I know I can motivate guys to do what I need them to do,” Cassell said. “If they don’t do it, they’ll be sitting right next to me.”

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Livingston suffered a sprained left ankle on the final play of the third quarter and did not return. “I just stepped on somebody’s foot, but it’s not that bad,” Livingston said. “I’ll get some rest and some treatment on it [today] and see how it feels.” ... Corey Maggette, who missed 11 of 16 field-goal attempts, scored 18 points against the Suns. It was Maggette’s highest point total since he returned to the lineup.... The Clippers hosted 21 corporate partners on the two-day trip to Phoenix. Representatives of the companies traveled on the team plane, played golf with Clipper officials and dined with the team.