Memphis Grizzlies: Omri Casspi Requires Surgery, Sidelined Indefinitely

Omri Casspi is the latest member of the Memphis Grizzlies to schedule a surgery date. It may be the end of his 2018-19 NBA season.

When it rains, it pours. That is the case for the Memphis Grizzlies and their ongoing injury woes. This time, Omri Casspi is the latest victim to have his playing status downgraded.

In fact, he will not have a chance of playing at all for a while. Friday’s news could signify the end of his 2018-19 season, Casspi’s 10th in the NBA.

Prior to tip-off in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 100-92 road loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday evening, the team announced that Omri Casspi has sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee. It is unclear when he will be able to return to any basketball activities, let alone five-on-five, full-contact repetitions.

With just 29 regular season games remaining following the loss in Charlotte, and with the Grizzlies being a long way away from playoff contention, the odds are slim to see Omri return to action this season. There is no need to rush the 30-year-old back into the lineup.

Omri Casspi has not played in Memphis’ last three games due to “right knee soreness” (per the Grizzlies). He was one of few bright spots for the Memphis Grizzlies in the month of January, shooting 50.7% from the field (including 37.5% from deep) en route to 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 18.9 minutes per game.

Not only had Casspi demonstrated excellent movement and playmaking ability on the hardwood as of late, but his athleticism has been off the charts in comparison to the mold of player he is accustomed to being.

Prior to signing a veteran’s minimum free-agent deal with Memphis in the offseason, Omri was known as a spot-up outside shooter plus a bit of an offensive catalyst. He does well with cutting and sneaking behind enemy lines for easy baskets. However, the Grizzlies were not expecting him to have so many dunks, especially on fastbreaks.

In February, Omri Casspi was a dunking fiend. His first few dunks of the season were a bit of a surprise to Grizz Nation, but he became known for slams in recent weeks. As he is growing older and is no longer a youngster in the NBA, these dunking moments may have cost him some games with this most recent injury.

A few extra dunks here and there may sound outlandish for Omri and his torn meniscus, but it is worth noting that he has missed each game since his 18-point showing that featured a handful of dunks versus the Sacramento Kings one week ago.

Dunk talk aside, it is a shame to hear this news on Omri Casspi. He played some great basketball in recent weeks and had earned an expanded role in J.B. Bickerstaff‘s system. Additionally, this injury lands another punch to the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster that is already dealing with more than its fair share of ailments.

On a positive note, Casspi’s absence allows more minutes for guys such as Justin Holiday, 10-day signee Bruno Caboclo, and two-way members Julian Washburn and Yuta Watanabe. This is excellent for player development, but brutal for the Grizzlies’ chances of achieving victories.

Regardless of which end of the spectrum you fall on as a Grizz fan, it is promising to see the depleted roster compete at a high level against the Charlotte Hornets. They had the lead much of the way, yet falling in the final quarter — when it mattered most.

The Memphis Grizzlies will face the New York Knicks in their next contest, which takes place on Sunday. They should have additional depth at small forward by then as Kyle Anderson could return to action. Anderson was a late scratch in Charlotte.