The NBA’s Golden State Warriors on Saturday waived their Israeli guard Omri Casspi to make room on their playoff roster for Quinn Cook, ending Casspi’s a frustrating season that was rife with injuries, and disappointing playing time.
According to Mercury News, Casspi, an 11-year NBA veteran, was cut after missing the last 10 games with a sprained right ankle, and an MRI showing an inflammation. His ankle sensitivity curbed Casspi’s ability to make hard cuts.
Casspi averaged 5.7 points on 58% shooting in 14 minutes through 53 games, and earlier in the season received praise for his sharp cuts. According to Mercury News, he struggled with consistency in his shooting and did not take enough 3-point shots.
Born in Holon, Israel, Omri Casspi is 6 ft 9 in tall and plays small forward and power forward positions. He was drafted 23rd overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings, making him the first Israeli to be selected in the first round of an NBA draft.
In his Kings debut in 2009, Casspi became the first Israeli to play in an NBA game. The Cleveland Cavaliers traded for him in June 2011, and he signed with the Houston Rockets in July 2013. In July 2014, Casspi was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a three-team trade, but was later waived. He then returned to Sacramento ahead of the 2014–15 season. In February 2017, he was traded to the Pelicans and in the 2017 offseason signed a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal with the Warriors.