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Omri Casspi Makes History

Many of you might know that basketball is the second most popular sport in Israel and that Israeli basketball has long been competitive in Europe. In fact Maccabi Tel Aviv , the New York Yankees of Israel, was the Euroleague champion in 2004 and 2005 and the runner-up in 2006 and 2008. However, despite that success no Israeli has ever played in the NBA, until now.

Last night in the first round of the NBA draft, the Sacramento kings selected Omri Casspi, a 6'-8" forward from Maccabi Tel Aviv with the 23rd pick in the draft. As a first round selection, Casspi gets a guaranteed three year contract, which would make him the first Israeli to play in the NBA. He is the first Israeli ever chosen in the first round of the draft. Assuming, of course, that he signs a contract with the Kings. As a European player under contract with Maccabi, he has the option of staying in Israel and continuing to play for Maccabi if he decides he doesn't like the situation at the Kings. There have been some hints from his camp that he might do that. I think that is more likely to be negotiating talk than anything else. He certainly sounded like he was coming when he discussed the draft last night:

"I can't speak," Casspi said, tears pouring down his face. "I've been waiting for this moment all my life ... I'm as happy as can be. We made history. I feel like I am in a dream."

He went on to say:

"Anytime you fulfill a dream a new one arises," he said, as friends poured champagne on his head. "I'm in a great place now and the goal is to become a legitimate NBA player."

Cross-posted to SportsYids

Full post as published by Sports Biz on June 26, 2009 (boomark / email).