At 6-foot-9, 225lbs, Casspi, is a work in progress. He is a capable shooter, rebounder and ball handler, but he does not excel in any one area and is not considered particularly athletic.
Jason Levien, the Kings’ assistant general manager, said the franchise was drawn to Casspi for his passion, toughness and tenacity. The word energy comes up often.
“That’s his specialty,” said David Thorpe, an analyst for ESPN, who watched Casspi during the summer league. “Energy in the N.B.A. is a real talent.”
Even with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Casspi’s value was never evident in the raw statistics but in the results.
“He’s fearless,” said Coach Shamir. “When he was on the floor, good things would happen for them.”
