When the Sacramento Kings signed Omri Casspi this summer they had one thing in mind − the 6-foot-9 forward would add energy, enthusiasm and experience to their deep bench.
“The one thing about Omri is every minute he’s on the floor he’s going to run,” stated Head Coach Michael Malone, “he’s going to cut hard, he’s going to move without the ball and he’s going to try to make things happen. It was great to see him get out there [on Saturday] and excel with the minutes he was given.”
Against the San Antonio Spurs at home, Casspi’s efficiency and hustle down the stretch proved crucial in Sacramento big win. No. 18 scored seven of his nine points in just over 17 minutes of action in the second half, while adding four rebounds and a steal.
“He was a big part of that win because of his energy and his activity level,” admitted Malone.
Now in his second stint with the Kings, Casspi has grown into his role as a stretch-four and reserve small forward. The Israel native is averaging 6.5 points per game this year, but has the team’s second-highest shooting percentage (52.6 − min. 10 attempts).
In Sacramento’s six wins this year, the fifth-year pro is chipping in 8.2 points per contest compared to 4.0 ppg in the Kings four losses. Furthermore, in those victories, Casspi is getting to the free throw line at a higher rate (3.5 times per win, compared to 1.5 times per loss), and creating more opportunities for his teammates (1.8 apg compared to 0.8).
“Omri is a very competitive young man, he has a high basketball IQ and the fact that he was able to come in the game, get five or six rebounds, run up and down the floor and make things happen, that’s what we need from our bench,” continued the Kings second-year head coach.
“He’s moving without the ball, he’s making plays for his teammates and he has a great understanding of the game. We’re thrilled to have him and we need him to continue to play at a high level.”
Getting to the Foul Line
Casspi hasn’t been the only one getting to the charity stripe for the purple and black this season.
Sacramento leads the League in free-throw attempts per game with just over 35 per night. Furthermore, the Kings are connecting on 81-percent of those attempts − the third-highest percentage in the NBA this season.
“We want to have an attack mindset,” admitted Head Coach Michael Malone. “We always talk to our players about playing in attack mode, not settling and putting pressure on the defense. I think it’s really important because that allows us to set our defense.”
By slowing down the game with trips to the free throw line, the Kings are able to prepare their defense on the other end of the court, limiting teams from pushing the ball in transition and getting easy opportunities. That break gives Malone and the rest of Sacramento’s coaching staff time to call out the defensive scheme and give extra help to specific players when necessary.
Currently, the Kings have three players ranked in the top-25 in free throw attempts per game including DeMarcus Cousins (5th), Rudy Gay (11th) and Darren Collison (22nd).
“That was a big part of what we did last year,” said Malone. “Can we lead the League all season? We will see, but I think it’s definitely realistic to think that we can be in the top-five all year long in free throw attempts per game because of how we play − posting up, going inside, playing through DeMarcus and Rudy, and by telling our guys, once we do get stops, to get out and run.”
Known for his bruising low-post game, Big Cuz was consistently in the top-five in free throw attempts per game last season and is on pace to put up similar numbers this season.
“It’s so easy to play with DeMarcus,” said point guard Darren Collison. “All you have to do is get him the ball, space out and let him do what he does. The thing about DeMarcus is he’s going to do that night-in and night-out, but the biggest thing is we have to learn how to play off him. When teams start doubling him, we have to make sure we have the proper spacing and we’re ready to knock down shots.”
Moreland Returns to Kings Practice
The Kings recalled rookie forward Eric Moreland from the team’s NBA D-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns today.
Easy-E spent nearly two weeks with the Bighorns for the team’s training camp, preseason and opening games before returning to Sacramento for the team’s practices.
“We wanted him to go there and get some playing time,” stated Michael Malone. “Right now, it’s going to be tough for him to get into our rotation − at least meaningful minutes. So any time you can send a young guy to your D-League Affiliate, so he can get a lot of running in − he’s starting for them and playing a lot of minutes… − it’s a great experience.”
Sacramento’s second-year coach says Moreland will be with the team when they are in town and will stay in Reno with the Bighorns when the team is on the road, playing in both systems simultaneously.
“When he’s here, we need him to contribute and learn on a daily basis,” continued the Kings leader. “So it’s good to have Eric back.”
Moreland competed in two outings for the uptempo Bighorns registering back-to-back double-doubles, showcasing his aggressive rebounding techniques, ability to run the floor and score at ease.
“The more he plays, the better off he’s going to be,” concluded Malone.