Sam Cassell, Clippers Guard

	Sam Cassell, Clippers Guard Erik Isakson/SI

As told to Chris Mannix

On having played for seven teams and having been traded six times

I know it's part of the business. But the transition of moving, finding a place to live, sometimes buying all new clothes, that's tough. I look at it like if you're traded, somebody wanted you. And I've been in some blockbuster trades! I was traded for Charles Barkley, for Jason Kidd; for some pretty notable names.

On learning last summer that he had been dealt from the Timberwolves to the Clippers

I didn't feel anything at all. I didn't know if this team was serious about winning or if it was happy being in the lottery every year. When I met with [coach] Mike Dunleavy, I asked if he wants to win. He told me that's why he wants me here, to make him and this team a winner. Before that I was like the rest of the league, I thought this organization didn't care about winning.

On the Clippers being Los Angeles's "other" team

They've got a lot of history on the other side of town. I don't know that we can surpass [the Lakers] in the national mind. It's going to take more than one winning season, that's for sure.

On the titles he won with Houston as a rookie in 1993-94 and again the following year

They mean so much more to me now. Coming into this league, I didn't understand the importance of winning titles. I never thought it was easy. We had some tough battles with the Knicks and the Magic -- O.K., the one against the Magic was kind of easy -- but the first one wasn't. I was treated in my first couple of years, and I haven't been back since.

On playing at Baltimore's powerful Dunbar High, which has won 10 state titles since 1993

Unbelievable competition. We had guys who were the 10th or 11th men on the team who could have been starters at other schools in the city. Some guys had to wait two or three years just to get out on the court.

On how the NBA has changed

The game is easier now than when I came in. Back in the day it was rough, more physical. It's not like that now.

On his basketball future

Two more years. That's how much longer I want to play. I'm 36, and I'm still at a high level. I feel good. I wouldn't mind staying in L.A., but if not, I'd like to go back to Houston, where I live [he's single] in the off-season.

On being a basketball junkie

I don't have many hobbies. But I love watching basketball. NBA or college, it doesn't matter. I watch random games all the time. Seriously, if you know someone that wants to talk basketball, tell them to come holler.

CASSELL AVERAGES 17.8 POINTS AND SINKS 42.4% OF HIS THREE-POINTERS FOR THE 30-19 CLIPPERS

Issue date: February 20, 2006