Re: Casspi's Poodelish performance thus far
From the PD:
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Inoffensive so far, Omri Casspi encouraged to be more defensive with Cleveland Cavaliers
Published: Saturday, December 31, 2011, 6:39 PM Updated: Saturday, December 31, 2011, 6:41 PM
Jodie Valade
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The good news is that Omri Casspi has a pretty good idea of exactly what's wrong with his outside shooting touch, of why he's made only four field goals through three games and is shooting a paltry 26.7 percent.
The bad news is that it will not be an easy fix.
"I feel like I'm thinking too much during the game about my shot, about what kind of shots I need to take," Casspi said. "I've just got to let it go. Clear my mind and play the game and enjoy it."
It's a task both easy and difficult, but Cavaliers coach Byron Scott on Saturday had a simpler idea for the 6-foot-9 swingman: Don't worry about it one bit.
Focus, instead, on defense.
"I think that's the first thing,"
Scott said. "Go into the game thinking about that end of the floor, don't even worry about the offense. That will take care of itself."
Both the Cavaliers and Casspi hope Scott is right. The 23-year-old Israeli came to the Cavaliers as part of an off-season trade that sent power forward J.J. Hickson to Sacramento. Casspi earned a starting spot based on his dogged pre-season play, but so far, hasn't displayed the form he did in two seasons with the Kings, where he averaged 42.9 percent from the field.
Despite Casspi's woeful start,
Scott said he has been pretty pleased with his defense. In training camp, Scott compared Casspi to a "pit bull" for his aggressive approach. While Casspi might not be quite that fierce consistently, he's not acting like a Chihuahua, either.
"He's allowing that length and athleticism to work to his advantage," Scott said. "Every now and then he plays a little bit soft when I want him to be a little more aggressive. ..
. I think he's been solid on that end of the floor. But I think he could still be better."
While Casspi works on the defensive side, Scott just might tinker on the offensive end to provide a little help.
"
Offensively, we're going to work some things to see if we can get him the ball in some of the areas he likes to get it," Scott said. "I'm trying to get a feel for Omri as I am Kyrie [Irving] and some of our other guys that are new here."
Casspi, for his part, will also work on not worrying so much.
"I've just got to let it go, I guess," he said. "I've got to play my game and run and cut and just clear my mind. Play the game of basketball."
Seems easy enough.
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2011/12/inoffensive_so_far_omri_casspi.html