With the trade deadline fast approaching, it appears that landing a large impact player may not be in the cards for the San Antonio Spurs. So the Spurs are faced with a decision, stand pat and play with the current roster or try for a less publicized trade that can help to improve the team.
According to Steve Kyler of Hoops World, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking at deals for Omri Casspi.
Sources close to the process peg the San Antonio Spurs has a good fit and a team that has expressed some interest in Casspi, the problem is they won’t offer much for him. If the Cavs would do a DeJuan Blair based deal, the Cavs could find a taker on Casspi fairly quick.
Casspi is in his second season with the Cavaliers after being drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 2009 Draft. The Spurs have kept an eye on Casspi and have reportedly expressed interest in him in past seasons.
With the Cavalier looking to create cap room for the free agency this off season, the Spurs could be able to possibly package a deal that would not require them to give up too many assets that would hinder the depth at other positions. This trade could allow the Spurs to get some outside shooting while still keeping Tiago Splitter.
Initially looking his stats during his time with the Cavaliers, I noticed there was a drop in the numbers during each season. I took a second look at his statistics in Sacramento showed why the Spurs have previously shown interest in acquiring him. The question then turns in to which Omri Casspi will the Spurs get?
His career in the NBA has had two completely different chapters:
His time in the Kings started off with him averaging over 8.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting over 36% from behind the 3 point line and over 41% from the field overall. Casspi start bout 38% of his games during his two seasons with the Kings.
While his time with Cavaliers, Casspi has averaged 7.1 point and 3.5 rebounds per game. While shooting 31.5% from behind the 3 point line and 40.3% overall from the field (Currently averaging 4.0 points, 2.2 rebounds , 35.6% 3 point shooting & 36.7% overall from the floor).
His playing time was drastically reduced after struggling in his return after missing 5 games while battling gastroenteritis in December. Casspi has only seen the floor during mop up time against the Lakers on December 11th. During this season he only started in one game.
A change of scenery can provide Casspi with more playing time, and an ability to grow in to a larger role with the team. If his performance can return to Sacramento levels, then I see a young Boris Diaw. Casspi can help down low and stretch the floor with his three point shooting ability.
As shown by the Richard Jefferson deal, the Spurs have been known to make deals that are not widely publicized. So to RC Buford and Greg Popovich I say, without risk there shall be no reward.