Omri Casspi: The Short But Memorable Warrior Who Wore No. 18
When you think of iconic Warriors, names like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green might come to mind. But in the vast, colorful tapestry of Golden State Warriors history—spanning over 75 years and featuring more than 600 players—there are plenty of lesser-known names who still made their mark. One of those players? Omri Casspi, the 15th of 16 athletes to sport jersey No. 18 for the franchise.
Let’s set the scene. The Warriors’ story began in 1946, back when the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was still laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the NBA. Originally based in Philadelphia, the team would later migrate west, calling cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and briefly San Diego home before finally settling into the golden glow of Chase Center in San Francisco.
Throughout the decades, the Warriors have run through over 60 different jersey numbers, each one worn by a unique personality, some with championship rings, others with only short stints and a handful of games. Yet every one of them played a part in shaping the Golden State identity. That includes Casspi, whose brief appearance in the blue and gold still tells a compelling tale.
From Israel to the NBA: Casspi’s Global Journey
Born in Holon, Israel, Omri Casspi wasn’t just any basketball player. He was a trailblazer. When he was selected 23rd overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, he became the first Israeli-born player to be drafted in the first round—and one of the very few to make it to the NBA at all. That alone etched his name in the global basketball history books.
Casspi brought with him a European game style—fundamentals, hustle, a solid jump shot, and high basketball IQ. His early years with the Kings showed promise. Over two seasons, he earned a reputation as a high-energy forward who could stretch the floor and wasn’t afraid to mix it up on defense.
But the NBA is rarely a linear journey. Over the next several years, Casspi's career took him through a whirlwind of cities and rosters.
A True NBA Journeyman
Here’s a quick snapshot of Casspi’s NBA pit stops:
-
Sacramento Kings (twice)
-
Cleveland Cavaliers
-
Houston Rockets
-
New Orleans Pelicans
-
Minnesota Timberwolves
-
… and finally, the Golden State Warriors
Every team he joined saw in him something useful—be it veteran leadership, scoring off the bench, or length on the wing. And in 2017, the Dubs saw something too.
Enter: Golden State Warriors
By the time Casspi arrived in Oakland in 2017, the Warriors were already a basketball dynasty in full swing. Fresh off championship glory, the team was stacked with talent, hungry for another ring, and looking to fine-tune their bench.
Casspi wasn’t brought in to be a star. He was brought in to be a reliable role player—a guy who could knock down a corner three, grab key rebounds, and keep the offense flowing when the second unit checked in. And he did just that.
Wearing jersey No. 18, Casspi made the most of his minutes. In his one and only season with Golden State, he averaged a modest but efficient 5.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. He brought veteran poise, versatility, and a quiet determination every time he stepped onto the court.
Unfortunately, his stint didn’t end with a championship parade. As the postseason approached, the Warriors made the difficult decision to waive Casspi in April 2018. The move was purely strategic—Golden State needed a healthy body for the playoffs, and Casspi was nursing a late-season injury.
Bittersweet Exit
Imagine being so close to winning an NBA ring… and then getting cut right before the playoffs. That’s the brutal business side of pro basketball. Despite his contributions during the regular season, Casspi didn’t meet the eligibility threshold for a playoff roster spot and was let go to make room.
It was a tough pill to swallow, but Casspi handled it with grace—just like a true pro. He may not have gotten that ring, but he left an impression on the Warriors locker room, the fanbase, and young international players looking to chase their NBA dreams.
Why Omri Casspi Still Matters in Warriors History
You might wonder—why spotlight a player who only played one season and never started in the playoffs? Because basketball history isn’t only about the superstars. It’s about the glue guys, the journeymen, the international pioneers. It’s about representation, diversity, and the stories that connect continents through a single jersey number.
Omri Casspi’s No. 18 may not be hanging in the rafters, but it represents something bigger. It symbolizes a bridge between Israeli basketball and the NBA, between local legends and global icons. For Warriors fans who appreciate the full depth of their franchise’s legacy, Casspi’s name deserves a moment in the spotlight.
Some Quick Facts for the Basketball Nerds:
-
Jersey Number: No. 18
-
Team Tenure: 2017–2018
-
Games Played for the Warriors: 53
-
Career-High Points in a Warriors Game: 17 (Dec. 11, 2017, vs. Portland Trail Blazers)
-
Waived: April 7, 2018
All these stats are thanks to the ever-reliable Basketball Reference, the go-to source for hoops historians and stat junkies alike.
The Legacy Continues
Casspi officially retired from professional basketball in 2021, returning to Israel and giving back to the sport in various capacities, including youth development and media commentary. He remains a national icon back home and a respected former NBA player.
So, next time you're scrolling through Warriors history or watching those flashy highlight reels of Steph draining 30-foot bombs, take a second to remember the names like Omri Casspi. Because behind every superstar are dozens of players who grinded, contributed, and represented the spirit of the game in their own way.
Login