Draft Preview: Omri Casspi

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Many of our readers know the name Omri Casspi. The Spurs’ interest in the Israeli small forward has been noted by various draft outlets over the last couple seasons.  And of course this probably means the Spurs have no interest whatsoever. But still, we press on.

For a more detailed look at Casspi, check out his DraftExpress profile. In the current (and way too early to be reliable) DX mock, Casspi is slated to the Spurs at 37. Although it should be noted that some mocks suggest that he’s a first round pick.

I spoke with Christophe Ney-of European Prospects and Ball in Europe-about Casspi and he offered this assessment:

The main difference between last season and this one is that Casspi played consistent minutes for the whole season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. However, Maccabi wasn’t as strong this season. They did not even qualify for the Euroleague Playoffs while being at the Final Four last season. Casspi in particular has become more regular in his scoring effort over the season and avoiding ups and downs. His three point shot seems to become better and better but he does not use it that much. His rebounding has improved too.

Despite the fact that this draft is characterized as weak, I think the Spurs will have opportunities in the 2nd round to put a few good prospects into their pipeline. Casspi is at the top of that list. But having said that, and even if Casspi came over immediately, I wouldn’t expect him to play in San Antonio right away. The smart money says the Spurs would assign him to Austin.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, his current Euroleague team, is the highest level competition Casspi will find outside of the NBA. So one would hope he’d dominate the D-League. Time there would help Casspi acclimate to the NBA’s style of play and the Spurs’ system, not to mention work on a few of his weaknesses, such as ball handling and bad shooting mechanics. I suspect that a season long stint with the Toros is in the cards for anyone the Spurs select in the 2nd round.

Leave your comments about Casspi below.

  • Juan

    He is long, aggressive to the basket and very quick off his feet, but his shoot looked awkward, he always seemed to be running before his team got the ball (maybe it was the nature of the highlights) and I can’t help to notice that in the very first play of the video he is showing off to the crowd instead of getting back on defense. It may not be that big of a thing somewhere else, but it is if you are to become a Spur.

  • Justin

    “The smart money says the Spurs would assign him to Austin.”

    I’m fairly ignorant regarding the end of the bench with the Spurs, but I would like to see an Austin experiment result in a 3rd guy off the bench at least. I realize there is value in depth, but it seems like much ado about nothing.

    Spot checking some boxes and season stats, Tolliver was the closest thing to an Austin mold guy and he was the 9th and 10th guy and got cut in January. Some other guys got some time with the club but were generally less used.

  • Adam

    Looks like he could be a solid wing-contributor. Decent size and good athleticism. If he wants to get minutes on this team he will need to start shooting the 3 more.

  • GMT

    He seems like a decent pick up, but even though I like a dunk every now again, too much of that video was just that. He would have to get used to spending less time swinging on the rim. Some of those would probably have been called a delay of game in the NBA. I think we might be better off with Gist, Nichols, and/or Williams. We’ll see.

  • http://www.48minutesofhell.com Timothy Varner

    He’s not the only option, just the one the Spurs are most often connected to. If you ask around, as I have, you’ll find out that no team has scouted him more extensively than the Spurs. So if they draft him, it’s because he can do more than Tarzan. His three point shot, remember, is only recently emerging.

    Gist, by the way, is rumored to be in the cross hairs of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Casspi’s current team. From a professional and development standpoint, Maccabi would be a great for him. The Spurs will have to guarantee a roster prior to camp. Personally, I think Casspi is a better player and could contribute to the Spurs sooner. And both of them are deep bench/Austin candidates. I like them both, though. The thing with Gist is I’m not convinced he can defend the NBA post, and Popovich thinks his foot speed is too slow to defend the wing. Williams’ future is as a point forward, not a true wing. Nichols is interesting, and, if he makes the team, an eventual Mike Finley replacement. He and Casspi don’t really do the same sort of thing.

  • http://www.48minutesofhell.com Timothy Varner

    True.

  • http://www.48minutesofhell.com Timothy Varner

    Justin,

    There is a farm team curve, but you’re very close to getting what you want. Patience. I think you’ll see at least one Toro make a contribution to the roster this season. Maybe multiple guys.

    And remember, Malik Hairston was first off the bench for a stretch of games last season. I think he’ll be back at summer camp. Ian Mahinmi, who was unfortunately injured all of last season, figured largely into Pop’s preseason plans. At one point, he said that he wanted to play him 30 minutes a game in the preseason to see what he could contribute. He’ll be part of the big rotation next year. You never know, he might start at center on opening day.

    The Spurs are not running lottery picks through Austin. These are late first and second round guys who, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t even be in the league. Marcus Williams was not an NBA player 18 months ago. Now, thanks to his time in Austin, he could stick in the league. I’ll tell you that his improvement from 2007 is dramatic.

  • therealkman

    Austin Nichols is a better fit. His maturity fits the mold of most Spurs draft picks like Hill.

  • twolves
  • twolves
  • the little o

    Seems like he could turn out to be a solid player. I could see him turning out to be a much better more athletic matt harpring because of his good size and toughness. The fact that he’s only 20 is also a good reason to hope for a much brighter future for him. He could spend a season in the Toro’s to improve his shot mechanics and defense. If he can just get decent at those two things, he could become a good player off the bench for San Antonio.

  • GMT

    Wow, comparing him to Tarzan had me cracking up. I’m sure he has potential, and I would be perfectly fine with drafting him. He would definitely benefit from being a Toro.

    I wasn’t thinking clearly enough earlier in that we wouldn’t be drafting anyone that I mentioned. I was thinking more about who could help us right now. Casspi is still a project as an NBA player, though, but he’s still just 20.

  • Big50

    How big is he? He looks good fo sho

  • http://www.48minutesofhell.com Timothy Varner

    6’8”.

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  • Jeff

    Maccabi Tel Aviv did make the playoffs this year (top 16), they did not reach the top 8 though.

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