New Omri Casspi Interview

Amaranth

G-League
Omri Casspi is flat out intense. When he speaks, it is with the directness of a seasoned CEO. He is a hard worker, a fierce competitor and so focused that he seems to have no idea he is playing a game. He is also a team player and a loyal brother and son. Here is the Sacramento Kings small forward Omri Casspi with The Purple Panjandrum.

TPP: How is the ankle?

OC: It’s alright. It’s just a little tweak, a little twist. It’s only an ankle, I’ll be alright. I feel a lot better.

TPP: You and I have talked before about coming off the bench versus being a starter. How do you feel about the announcement, that Donté Greene will begin the season as the starter?

OC: Nothing really changed. Every player on the team knows his role and everybody needs to do what the coach wants them to do. Obviously, everybody needs to follow it and I’m really happy with my role. I did the same thing last year and I’m looking forward to doing the same thing this year. If we are playing better defense and rebounding better and shooting a higher percentage, things should be a lot easier for the team.

TPP: I’ve noticed throughout pre-season that you’ve really been hitting the glass, your assist numbers are way up and those three blocks the other night were amazing. Is it your focus to be more of a jack of all trades this year?

OC: I know myself and I can be a lot better rebounder than four and a half rebounds a game. I felt throughout summer that one of the goals I wanted to achieve was to be one of the best rebounders on the team. Especially now that we have great big men that can rebound and I can help from the three position. Blocks are part of my game now. I play hard defense. I play tough and I can get blocks too.

TPP: Your role coming off the bench almost seems like a more glorious role. The starter is going to be the fourth or fifth option and you should be the first or second option as the primary bench scorer. Is that how you are looking at this?

OC: When I play, I just play. If you have an open shot then shoot it and make it. If you don’t, then you need swing the ball. If guys are making open shots, then things look a lot better. As our team gets together I’ll feel a lot more comfortable. I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team.

TPP: It seems like everyday after practice, there are guys over there playing shooting games together but you’re usually over here shooting threes with just you and a coach. Are you just really focused?

OC: I believe that you have to have good habits, and with me coming from overseas and playing in a little bit different court with a different three point line, I need to get a lot of shots up after practice just to get my rhythm back and to get my three point percentage up. I like to focus on the stuff that I’m doing and to get a coach so I can get a lot of shots up.

TPP: I saw via twitter that your brother just got back in town. How is that going?

OC: (with a huge smile) It’s great. It’s just a lot better to have someone at home with you and share some experiences and be with someone, especially my brother. He is my best friend and we have a great time together.

TPP: Have you guys been out and about or just staying around the house?

OC: We’re at home. We’ve been practicing hard and I’m trying to be fresh for the games. Most of the time we rest at home and try to be ready for basketball.

TPP: Are you going to take on a lot of commitments this year when you’re on the road like last year?

OC: I don’t really know. I’m about to start it and I’m about to get to know it. I have experience now and I know the stuff that I need to do and what not to do. It’s an 82 game season and I’m trying to keep myself fresh because basketball is the reason I’m here.

TPP: How does it make you feel to see that flag flying in every stadium you play in every night?

OC: It’s great. Hopefully we’ll see it more and more. The supporters have been great to me.

TPP: Do you feel pressure being the first Israeli born player and being Jewish or is that just part of being Omri Casspi?

OC: I feel great. It is important that people come out to support me for what I’m trying to do out on the court. That’s a great, great feeling.

Throughout training camp, I have had plenty of opportunities to converse with Omri Casspi, but this is our most extensive Q & A. Omri is always accessible and although he is very business-like, he is honest and forthcoming in his answers. I do not think it is a stretch to say that I believe Casspi is disappointed that he is not the Kings starting small forward, but I also believe that he is going to be the best six man he can possibly be.
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I like this interview and how he handled the question about him vs. Donte and starter... I think off the bench is better for him!
 
I'm rooting for this guy. Gonna get a jersey that says No Passpi on it....J/K. Wish him all the best and sure did like the tone of this interview vs. past interviews I've seen. He seems to be getting it, big picture, which is huge for us. Know your role.
 
At least that should put an end to the discussion regarding how Omri will feel coming off the bench. Well, at least until he forces a shot or two when the reg season gets under way. Then, like everything else, it will be questioned to no end.
 
I really like Omri. I can see him filling up the stat sheet once he gets comfortable in the league and hits his prime.

I did notice his rebounding and block numbers seemed up, good to see he wants to focus on that. He doesnt seem to be bitter at all about coming off the bench either, which is good...Someone must have sold him on the "Manu" role. :p
 
Very good! That's the way to go Casspi. Now, if you can just walk the talk I am pretty sure more and more fans will like to see you at the starting line-up, especially if the "supposedly tall" to rebound and block shots 6' 11" Greene continues to be the resurrected lazy version of Hawes.
 
I really think that Omri will do very well in the "Manu" role. He is a very active scorer and rebounder. I think he will learn to like his role and thrive in it. The NBA is all about accepting a role and working hard to be the best you can at that role. If Omri embraces that and runs with it, he will be a very successful player. And you never know when that role might change. If he is doing all he needs to do and putting up solid numbers he may eventually get that starting role. Greene is a good player who gives the Kings length and scoring. So, lets see how they both play and go from there.
 
I'm going to agree with the sentiment that Omri is better suited off the bench at this point. B/t him and Donte, Donte seems to be a better fit to the starting unit b/c of his ability to defend, hit an open 3, and use his length. Omri needs the ball more to be effective, which is fine. But hell be more able to attack when the subs come in, which is what he wants.

There are some guys who are good enough to start, but play better off the bench, whether due to the ability to be a "bench star" with usage rate akin to a star that's starting or the freedom given to a guy who is the offense off the bench. Manu, Jet, Bjax, etc. All can score in bunches and quickly. Omri seems to have the high energy that is most effective in doses rather than over the entire course of the game at this point. So let him come off the bench, and let him do what he can do.
 
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