Cassell says he's down but not out

The Los Angeles Clippers played without point guard Sam Cassell again Saturday night in an 87-64 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center.

Sam Cassell, slowed because of an assortment of injuries in his 14th season, also sat out the Los Angeles Clippers' previous game and might not play Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples.

Although Sam Cassell, 37, has been sidelined because of calf, ankle, heel, abdomen and groin injuries, he says he could still help in the Los Angeles Clippers' playoff bid this season and intends to contribute significantly in the 2007-08 season.

"I don't care what anybody says, I know I can still play this game and help this team," Sam Cassell said. "When people tell me that I'm getting too old, when they tell me I can't do it anymore, that just fuels my passion for the game even more.

"I might not be a star point guard in this game, but there won't be five backups in this league who are better than me at 38 or 39."

Sam Cassell is guaranteed $6.15 million next season, the final one of a two-year contract. He might consider playing beyond next season "if I'm feeling good and doing the things I've done my whole career," Sam Cassell said. "I know what I've got to do this summer — I've got to hit my workout plan real, real hard."

In 2005, Sam Cassell spent the summer in Houston training with former NBA player and coach John Lucas. He plans to do that again this summer.

"I'm going to put in my work and come back ready," Sam Cassell said. "So all those people who doubt me, who think I'm too old, that's fine. I'll just have to keep showing them."

 

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