Kings vs. Jazz - Omri Casspi has a Solid Game and Kings Lose

Friday Jan. 30

The Kings lost (yet again) to the Utah Jazz 101-94. Omri was the first man off the bench and played for 30 minutes. He scored 8 points on 4 of 7 shooting and grabbed 6 rebounds. He also collected four personal fouls (tell 'em who's boss, Omri), a steal and a blocked shot. A solid game and 8 points was third best on the team behind Kevin Martin and Tyreke Evans.

I think that we cannot complain about Omri's somewhat low point total when he only attempted 7 shots. At best, Omri should be the third scoring option behind Evans and Martin. He is better off playing within the offensive system and improving his game. In the off-season, Omri might want to think about trying to add some muscle to help his rebounding.

Keep it real Omri. We're behind you 150%!

Kings vs. Warriors - Kings Win Casspi Stinks

Tuesday Jan. 26

Sometimes you just gotta tell it like it is. No "The silver lining is" or "Look on the bright side." Omri had a rotten game. Statistically, it is his worst NBA game in the regular season. But hey, it's only one game.

The good news for the Kings is that they finally ended their seven game losing streak and defeated the Warriors 99-96. (I did mention that this was a winnable game.) Omri was the last player off the bench and only played for 12 minutes. He scored one point (on a free-throw!) and grabbed 2 rebounds. We all have bad days - Omri, just shrug it off and get ready for the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

No excuses, just a possible explanation - The Kings are in some serious turmoil. The team is still struggling to gel since Kevin Martin has returned from injury. Coach Westphal is going with the hot-hand approach, if the players on the floor are doing well - don't mess with it. Common wisdom would seem to dictate the opposite: consistency helps athletes especially a young team like the Kings.

It is asking a lot of Omri to go from starting line-up to sixth man, to last one off the bench. I am not at all surprised that he turned in a poor game. Just bounce back baby!

Omri Casspi Out of the Starting Lineup

Photo from fOTOGLIF

The blogosphere is abuzz with the news that Omri Casspi is not in the starting lineup for tonight's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

(Hat tip to Sam Amick from the Sacramento Bee - great tweet!)

If you have been following this blog, this news should come as no surprise. Omri's minutes have been steadily decreasing since Kevin Martin's return. Hopefully Omri will quickly re-adjust to his role coming off the bench. Coach Westphal is trying to find the right combination to return the Kings to their winning ways. (Westphal wants winning ways - nice alliteration!)

Remember everyone, stay patient and keep the faith. Omri will succeed and will be a fixture in the NBA for many seasons.

Omri Casspi Finds his Shooting Zone

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Last night, Omri scored 13 points against the Charlotte Bobcats in a losing effort. He shot 50% overall, but was only 1 for 5 from three-point range. But that's good news! Because that means that Omri was 5 for 7 from regular non-three-point range.

On the flip side, Omri only grabbed one board and had no assists. Apparently he is struggling defensively and only played for 22 minutes. He is still the starting small forward (for now) but his production is much different than a few weeks ago.

Now I have a feeling that I will be preaching patience after every Kings game. In all professional sports in America there are about a giz-billion scouts that analyze every game. If there is a flaw in Omri's game it will be exploited by the opposition until he fixes that flaw. And then the scouting process repeats itself again. That is part of being a professional athlete in the 21st century.

As a surrogate Kings fan I am greatly disappointed since the Kings are on a four game losing streak. Also, the Kings have only gone 1-9 over their last ten games. The Cinderella story for both Omri and the Kings is beginning to turn into one of the ugly step-sisters. Remember - be patient!

Don't lose the faith, there's still a lot of basketball left to play.