Could Casspi Win NBA Rookie of the Year

Tyreke Evans and Brandon Jennings seem destined to be  on a crash course toward the NBA Rookie of the Year award. More than likely one of these amazing talents will end up winning the honor.

However over the last couple of weeks a legitimate challenger to the throne has emerged. Omri Casspi. Over the last five games he is averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and has a 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio. He has raised his three point percentage to 47% and has positioned himself as the second best player on the Kings.

The problem is that Kevin Martin will return at some point and I can see Casspi being the rookie to defer stats to Martin more than Evans. However if the Kings trade Martin and Evans goes on a shooting slump, Casspi could pull out the top rookie award.

The thing is that Casspi can shoot the three, but he doesn’t have to rely on it. He is 6-foot-9, so he can score inside when his shot is off. His size also allows him to contribute on the boards if he hits a rookie wall. If he learns to get to the foul line at least five times again, he should be able to survive a slump.

Remember too that he isn’t a true rookie. He’s played overseas and at 21 years old, though he isn’t a veteran, he also isn’t an immature 19 year old barely out of high school. Unlike Brandon Jennings, who more than likely peaked, and Evans who will probably level out (though at a good level), Casspi will more than likely improve as the season continues.

How much he improves will determine how many NBA Rookie of the Year votes he gets.

For more on Omri Casspi click here.

Here is a great interview with Omri Casspi and his brother Eitan.

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