Apart from the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets was the only other NBA champion over an eight-season span from 1991 through 1998. Sam Cassell was part of the Rockets team and won 2 championships alongside Hakeem Olajuwon. Later, he formed a Big 3 in Milwaukee Bucks alongside Glenn Robinson and Ray Allen. Even after winning the title alongside Allen with the Celtics, he favors another NBA star over them.

The player Cassell chose also played alongside Allen. Additionally, it was another reunion for Cassell. It was when the 34-year-old Sam Cassell joined the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kevin Garnett was already a 9-year veteran in the league. When Darius Miles asked on his podcast if there was any other player who matched KG’s intensity, Cassell quickly said “No.”

However, he later described why Kevin Garnett was his favorite player amongst all the greats he played with. “He’s by far my best teammate I ever played with, by far,” Sam Cassell further added on the Knuckleheads Podcast. “He really care about his teammates. He want you to be successful, he going to do everything in his power to help you be successful.”

He further stated that KG would even protect his teammates and enhance their skills. It reflected in Sam Cassell’s stats, as his highest career average was with Wolves in 2003-04. He started every game in the regular season and scored 19.8 points per game.

Before making his move to Wolves, Cassell felt wise to discuss the move with KG first. Garnett’s very receptive response to the idea surprised him. Later, ‘Sam I Am’ also convinced Latrell Sprewell to join and create their Big 3. The plan was successful and the trio would complement each other very well and help the Wolves with a still-standing record.

Timberwolves left Sam Cassell high and dry

Minnesota’s 2003-04 record of 58-24 regular season record is still the franchise’s best. Minnesota also had a 70% win percentage with last season’s 68.3%, being the second-best. They ultimately lost the NBA finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. But during the season, Kevin Garnett won his only MVP award. And Sam Cassell also earned his only All-Star appearance.

The next season, Cassell did not start all the games due to the injuries, and his playing time was also reduced. After the season, a trade between the Clippers and the Wolves for Cassell was made possible. He voiced his frustration in 2006 with ESPN, “Then I take that Minnesota team to a franchise-high 58 wins. Help ’em get out of the first round for the first time.” Sam Cassell continued,”Help Kevin McHale walk around with his chest out. Help Ticket [Kevin Garnett] become MVP. But management says no new deal and says I’m a distraction.”

He might not like that move, but his bond with KG is unbreakable. And he was also able to win with The Big Ticket and Celtics in 2008. What do you think about the two former players? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.