Omri Casspi A Good Fit With Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly signing Omri Casspi for the rest of the season. Casspi averaged 5.9 points and 4.1 rebounds with the Sacramento Kings this year.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly signed Omri Casspi to a deal for the rest of the season.

Casspi is in his eighth NBA season, playing five of them with the Sacramento Kings.

He was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans this season as part of the DeMarcus Cousins trade. Casspi broke his thumb during his first game as a Pelican and was immediately released.

The Boston Celtics were also rumored to be in on Casspi’s services.

It’s immediately unclear why Casspi picked Timberwolves over a team that is a lock for the playoffs such as the Celtics. Playing time might be a major factor in his decision.

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Last week the Wolves, who severely lack depth, lost Nemanja Bjelica to a season-ending injury and were in the market for a replacement player.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Casspi, who is actually younger than Bjelica, will be a good complement to the Timberwolves roster. The Timberwolves are a team completely devoid of outside shooters.

Defenses are able to collapse the lane and key in on the Wolves’ only true offensive threats, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

Casspi will provide outside shooting that is very badly needed in Minnesota. Casspi, who is a career 36.9 percent three-point shooter, should be able to step in and play the 4 for the Wolves.

He is a little undersized at only 6’9″ and 225 pounds, but makes up for that with his scrappiness. Casspi may also be stronger than he looks as he doesn’t get pushed around by opposing power forward’s too often.

On offense, Casspi’s release is a little unorthodox. He starts his shot at his waist level. Even though that is where his shot motion starts, he still releases up around his eyes. Typically an NBA player is strong enough to be able to start his shot around eye level.

This starting point for Casspi’s shot allows him to be able to shoot accurately from long distance.

Casspi, at times, can also shoot accurately from two or three feet behind the three-point line if needed.

Omri Casspi is a sneaky good athlete. He’s never going to yam on someone, but he can explode to the rim faster than you would expect.

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He also does a nice job of using a Euro-step while driving to the lane. He can finish with either hand inside as well.

One of Casspi’s best aspects on offense is how he uses his ball fakes. Since Casspi struggles to create separation from defenders he uses ball fakes to get his defender off-balance and out of position.

Casspi then will either attack the rim or use a rhythm dribble to create a little separation so he can get his shot off.

Casspi will be able to step in and play the minutes that were given to Bjelica. Tom Thibodeau does not appear to be too fond of Cole Aldrich and as I previously stated, the Timberwolves will benefit tremendously from Casspi’s ability to stretch the floor.

Omri Casspi may have been the best player available this late in the season. If the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are five games back of eighth place, want to have any shot at getting back into playoff contention Casspi’s play will be key.

Next: 25 Greatest Shooters in NBA History

Can a late season acquisition help propel the Timberwolves to the playoffs? Stay tuned to find out.