SubscribeMori on Omri
Whether he signs of not, you can expect the jewish press — the Korner included — to be all over the selection of Omri Casspi as the first Israeli ever chosen in the NBA draft. This piece from the Jewish Week makes an interesting observation:
Casspi’s selection is symbolic in broader terms. The King’s co-owners, Joe and Gavin Maloof, popular Sacramento businessmen and philanthropists, come from a Lebanese Arab family. No Arab sports team owners in the U.S., as far as is known, have previously signed a Jewish athlete.
The brothers’ ethnic background never surfaced in preliminary discussions, Casspi says. “They’re great guys,” he simply says.
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Ron,
Casspi is the first Israeli chosen in the FIRST ROUND of the NBA draft, but three others have been picked before him.
Doron Scheffer was a second-round pick but decided not to sign. Lior Eliyahu and Yotam Halperin were picked 44th and 53rd, respectively, in the draft three years ago.
Mickey Berkowitz and Oded Katash had offers from NBA teams but were never drafted and never signed.
Doron Sheffer was selected by the LA Clippers in the 1996 NBA draft, but chose to play with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Good point, Mike. Thanks for the clarification.
Good point, Bob. Thanks for the distinction/clarification.