Omri Casspi

Casspi was the first first-round pick out of Israel ever, and he has played there the last two years as a member of Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. His last action in the NBA came in the 2018-2019 season as a part of the Grizzlies, so this announcement should come as no surprise. He’ll finish his 10-year NBA career with averages of 7.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 45.4% shooting, and we wish him the best of luck as he continues his basketball career in the place he calls home.

The first Israeli player to ever appear in the NBA, Casspi will return to his home country after appearing in 588 regular-season contests over the past decade between the Kings, Cavaliers, Rockets, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Warriors and Grizzlies since being selected in the first round in the 2009 draft. The forward, who started his career with Maccabi when he was just 16 years old, should take on a vital role for the club as he returns to the EuroLeague. Since he's still just 31 years old, Casspi may have a shot at resurfacing in the NBA down the road.

Casspi recently underwent surgery to repair a torn right meniscus, and his return before the end of the season wasn't guaranteed, so it isn't all too surprising to see the Grizzlies part ways with the 30-year-old. Prior to getting cut loose, Casspi posted averages of 6.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 14.4 minutes.

This is unfortunate news for both Casspi and the Grizzlies, as it was originally believed that he was nursing knee soreness. He's slated to undergo surgery sometime next week, and a timetable for his return has not yet been released, although he's expected to be sidelined for around six weeks, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.