Sam Cassell was spoiled. He won back-to-back titles his first two years in the NBA and became accustomed to postseason success. Nearly 15 years after he slipped on his first championship ring, Cassell is fighting to taste victory for what could the last time in his career.

"I won championships so early in my career -- my first two years -- so I thought that's how it's going to be," Cassell said. "You miss it, and miss it, and miss it, year after year after year."

That's because players like Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, and Kenny Smith weren't on his team every season. Later in his career he tried to recreate the same success with now-teammates Ray Allen on the Milwaukee Bucks and Kevin Garnett on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Cassell was able to win with the help of All-Stars but struggled without them.

This season Cassell found himself alone at the helm of the Los Angeles Clippers. The team that made a deep playoff run just two seasons ago was debilitated by the injury bug. There was little Cassell could do on his own. At 38 years old, he didn't have time to spare on a losing team. He needed a quick fix.

"I think this is a great situation for me," Cassell said of signing with the Celtics. "This team has a great chance. Why not be a part of it?"

Not only is Cassell on a winning team, he is surrounded by winning players. The Celtics boast three All-Stars and the best record in the NBA. Now they have one of the most experienced point guards in the league on their bench. He hopes his years of knowledge will prove invaluable to his teammates.

"I'll never forget, I saw Shaq win his first championship and I thought, 'Why is he crying the way he is crying?' Now I know why," Cassell said. "You fight so hard to get to that pot of gold … It's a battle. You're taking your body through a lot, but it's more mental than physical. You've got to be mentally ready and prepare yourself to play the four seasons every year. That's what it's all about."

While Cassell isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet -- "I wouldn't consider it a countdown. I'm pretty sure there will be offers for me to play other places [next season]," he said -- his career is winding down as he approaches 40. It's only a matter of time before the window of opportunity to win closes and he moves on to his future plans of coaching. Cassell wants to seize his chance now.

"I'm not thinking about next year," he said. "I know Kevin (Garnett) is not thinking about next year. Paul (Pierce), Ray (Allen), (Rajon) Rondo, Perk (Kendrick Perkins), no one is thinking about next year."

All Cassell is thinking about is another trophy.

"I think if the Lord blesses our soul and we happen to win the championship this year, you're going to see a whole lot of teary eyes," he said. "I'm going to be boo-hooing so much I'll make you all cry."