New interview just published with Casspi. Since it's in Hebrew I will translate the parts that have to do with the Kings. Here is the link:
http://www.one.co.il/Article/166128.html
Q: You had a busy summer. Did you manage to get some rest? Where are you now?
A: It's been a busy but enjoyable summer. I'm already back in Sacramento, preparing myself for our training camp, which starts this coming Tuesday.
Q: The Kings have become significantly stronger this summer. How do you feel about your new team?
A: We have made big changes this summer. We acquired Samuel Dalembert from Philadelphia in a great trade, and we selected Cousins in the draft, which certainly makes us stronger. They both add a lot of presence in the paint, which is something we were severely lacking last year. Everyone is excited about this coming season because we think we have a lot of potential.
Q: What do you expect that potential to translate to?
A: Mainly we hope to continue to improve in all parameters, whether it's our defensive rebounding or our offense, but mainly it has to show in the wins column. Our goal is to win as many games as possible while constantly improving on every aspect. Our biggest goal is to make the playoffs. I believe that we have a great team that needs to come together and learn the strategy of our excellent coach. Once everyone settles into the system, especially the new guys, we will be able to do great things in the league this season.
Q: You said Paul Westphal is an excellent coach. He gave you your first chance. How is your relationship with him?
A: It's a great relationship, especially on the court. I'm really happy to return for a second season to play for him and Sacramento. They have been wonderful with me the entire time, even before they selected me in the draft. I am enjoying every minute in this team, that believed in me and allowed me to develop, and I would like to show my appreciation with many more good years together. PW was watching me in Summer League, and the Kings were keeping track of me when I was with the National Team, and saw that we qualified for the European Championship tournament. I am working on my game and I am very excited and ready to embark on a new journey.
Q: Do you know if you are expected to have a more central role this season?
A: There are no one-on-one talks at this point. Every player is expected to give himself to the team, and I intend to do just that - to prove in the near future and throughout the season that I can be relied upon and that I will give everything I've got.
Q: It's your second year in the NBA. Do you already have friends who are superstars in the league?
A: I don't look at it that way. I don't make friends with players just because they are big stars. I spend time with my family and friends when they come to visit me. Beyond that, I try to rest during my free time so that I am fresh and healthy during the practices and games.
Q: How did you respond to the spraying of the swastika on your mural?
A: To be honest, it doesn't affect me too much. It's a shame that there are still people in the world who hate us just because we are Jewish. It's been 60 years since the Holocaust and it's disappointing to know that some people still live on the waves of hatred. Personally, it does not affect me. I am completely focused on basketball and the Kings, and these things can only make me stronger. I've received a lot of support in Israel, and also tremendous support here in Sacramento. It motivates me to work hard and to prove that I am worthy of being here and most of all that I plan to be here for many years to come.
Q: Still, you wouldn't expect these things to happen in the USA, of all places. Were you surprised?
A: I don't get worked up over those swastikas. There are crazy people in the world, and like I said, it only makes me more motivated in basketball. Beyond that, I do not put too much weight on that.
Q: How did the organization address this incident, which happened twice?
A: They were very professional about it. They talked to me about security consideration, and showed tremendous support, and I thank them for it. It's not something I can take for granted.
Q: Did you ever fear for your safety?
A: I was not afraid for my safety even for a minute. Not at all.
http://www.one.co.il/Article/166128.html
Q: You had a busy summer. Did you manage to get some rest? Where are you now?
A: It's been a busy but enjoyable summer. I'm already back in Sacramento, preparing myself for our training camp, which starts this coming Tuesday.
Q: The Kings have become significantly stronger this summer. How do you feel about your new team?
A: We have made big changes this summer. We acquired Samuel Dalembert from Philadelphia in a great trade, and we selected Cousins in the draft, which certainly makes us stronger. They both add a lot of presence in the paint, which is something we were severely lacking last year. Everyone is excited about this coming season because we think we have a lot of potential.
Q: What do you expect that potential to translate to?
A: Mainly we hope to continue to improve in all parameters, whether it's our defensive rebounding or our offense, but mainly it has to show in the wins column. Our goal is to win as many games as possible while constantly improving on every aspect. Our biggest goal is to make the playoffs. I believe that we have a great team that needs to come together and learn the strategy of our excellent coach. Once everyone settles into the system, especially the new guys, we will be able to do great things in the league this season.
Q: You said Paul Westphal is an excellent coach. He gave you your first chance. How is your relationship with him?
A: It's a great relationship, especially on the court. I'm really happy to return for a second season to play for him and Sacramento. They have been wonderful with me the entire time, even before they selected me in the draft. I am enjoying every minute in this team, that believed in me and allowed me to develop, and I would like to show my appreciation with many more good years together. PW was watching me in Summer League, and the Kings were keeping track of me when I was with the National Team, and saw that we qualified for the European Championship tournament. I am working on my game and I am very excited and ready to embark on a new journey.
Q: Do you know if you are expected to have a more central role this season?
A: There are no one-on-one talks at this point. Every player is expected to give himself to the team, and I intend to do just that - to prove in the near future and throughout the season that I can be relied upon and that I will give everything I've got.
Q: It's your second year in the NBA. Do you already have friends who are superstars in the league?
A: I don't look at it that way. I don't make friends with players just because they are big stars. I spend time with my family and friends when they come to visit me. Beyond that, I try to rest during my free time so that I am fresh and healthy during the practices and games.
Q: How did you respond to the spraying of the swastika on your mural?
A: To be honest, it doesn't affect me too much. It's a shame that there are still people in the world who hate us just because we are Jewish. It's been 60 years since the Holocaust and it's disappointing to know that some people still live on the waves of hatred. Personally, it does not affect me. I am completely focused on basketball and the Kings, and these things can only make me stronger. I've received a lot of support in Israel, and also tremendous support here in Sacramento. It motivates me to work hard and to prove that I am worthy of being here and most of all that I plan to be here for many years to come.
Q: Still, you wouldn't expect these things to happen in the USA, of all places. Were you surprised?
A: I don't get worked up over those swastikas. There are crazy people in the world, and like I said, it only makes me more motivated in basketball. Beyond that, I do not put too much weight on that.
Q: How did the organization address this incident, which happened twice?
A: They were very professional about it. They talked to me about security consideration, and showed tremendous support, and I thank them for it. It's not something I can take for granted.
Q: Did you ever fear for your safety?
A: I was not afraid for my safety even for a minute. Not at all.
