Omri Casspi refused to comment on a report he requested to be traded from the
Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, claiming he is happy and would like to
stay.
However, the 24-year-old did not go as far as denying the Yahoo
Sports story, saying slyly ahead of Cleveland’s defeat to the Chicago Bulls at
the United Center, “whatever the future holds will happen.”
After playing
just a single minute in Cleveland’s past 13 games since December 11, Casspi saw
15 minutes of action against the Bulls, scoring just four points and failing to
grab a rebound in the 118-92 loss.
“Of course, I like Cleveland,” Casspi
said. “Cleveland has been great to me.
The fans, the city, the
organization.
That’s where I’m focused. I don’t have any other focus but
help my team win. Whatever the future holds will happen.”
Casspi has
struggled desperately this season, playing in just 20 of Cleveland’s 36 games,
averaging career lows of 4.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.5 assists in just over
13 minutes per game.
“To be honest, I think I’ve done everything I can,”
Casspi added. “Over the course of the summer, over the course of training camp
with the opportunities I got.
It’s just different rotations and I have to
accept it.”
The Israeli’s relationship with coach Byron Scott has been
rocky to say the least, but Scott would not rule out Casspi returning to the
rotation.
“It’s nothing that he’s done to get put in this position,” said
Scott, explaining that Casspi is remaining on the bench due to the play of
Alonzo Gee and C.J. Miles.
“This is all based on my beliefs with the
other two guys. He has to continue to do what he’s been doing at practice every
single day, continue to be the professional that he is.
“Omri’s been
great. As far as him playing, he’s probably going to get another shot at it,”
Scott added.
“It’s just a matter of time and me finagling some other
lineups.”
Scott also complemented Casspi on the way he has dealt with his
recent benching.
“He’s been great at practice.
He’s been great in
the games, cheering for his teammates,” he said. “He’s been a true professional
in every sense of the word. I expect him to continue to be that way.”
For
the time being, at least, Casspi is determined to make the most of any chance he
gets in Cleveland.
“It’s been a while. It’s been a good month I’m not
playing.
“Basically from Hanukka, when my mother was in town,” said
Casspi, who also missed a few games in mid- December with
gastroenteritis.
“I’ve got to work for my opportunity.”
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