5 NBA teams that should sign Omri Casspi for a playoff run
By Dre Elder
As free agent forward Omri Casspi nears his return from a broken thumb, here are the five teams that should line up for his services.
Omri Casspi had a career year in the 2015-16 season for the Sacramento Kings. He averaged highs in points (11.8), rebounds (5.9), and 3-point percentage (40.9).
Casspi was merely a footnote in the blockbuster trade that landed him and DeMarcus Cousins with the New Orleans Pelicans. He was summarily waived by the Pelicans, after suffering a broken right thumb in his first game with the team.
Now, Omri Casspi will have an opportunity to go from discarded footnote to coveted ancillary. Here are the five teams that benefit the most from signing him.
Golden State Warriors
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The Golden State Warriors are 2-5 since losing Kevin Durant indefinitely to a left knee injury. Steph Curry is in a confounding shooting slump. Yes, the sky is falling for Warriors fans in case you haven’t noticed.
The Warriors were last seen during what appeared to be a nationally televised preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs over the weekend. Due to health concerns, both teams trotted out reserve players whose faces you would not recognize if you shared a cab with them. The Warriors lost that battle of the backups by 22 points.
And if you’re paying attention, then this next stat should not surprise you. The Warriors’ bench produces 30.5 points per game, which is good for 27th in the NBA. But the prevailing thought has been when you start four All-Stars, you only need your bench to excel at celebrating.
Now, the Warriors’ 3-point percentage is down almost four points compared to last season. Is it possible the Warriors will have buyer’s remorse on Matt Barnes? Should they have used that roster spot for a more dependable sniper?
Omri Casspi would be a more dynamic addition for the Warriors, than his former Sacramento Kings’ teammate. The Warriors saw it up close last season, when Casspi lit them up for a career-high 36 points, including 9-12 from three-point land.
Casspi’s shooting percentages and defensive ratings are better than those of Barnes. He’s also eight years younger. Casspi is more athletic, can create his own shot off the bounce, and fits the Warriors’ free-flowing style of play.
It’s unlikely the Warriors will waive Barnes in favor of signing Casspi, but they should. It’ll take more than aged attitude from their bench to bring the NBA championship back to The Bay.