One way or another, Omri Casspi was facing the Knicks at the Garden this season. But he's happier to do it in Sacramento Kings' purple, not Maccabi Tel Aviv's yellow, when he becomes the first Israeli to play in the NBA.
Tonight at 6, Casspi will face the Knicks in a summer-league matchup in Las Vegas (MSG Network). Playing them in New York, however, will be more special with more than 100,000 Israelis living in the New York area. "I'm excited about getting there, playing in front of that Jewish community," Casspi told The Post. "I'm excited to see the reaction of fans."
Israeli TV showed the NBA Draft live at 2 a.m. and the Holy Land is ga-ga over Casspi being the first Israeli selected in the first round - 23rd - meaning he has a two-year guaranteed contract. Two other Israelis were drafted in the second round, both in 2006, Lior Eliyahu and Yotam Halperin, but were cut.
"I'm proud to be a player in the NBA, the first one, it brings a lot of respect," Casspi said. "I feel like I'm the ambassador for Israeli Basketball. Everyone's following. Before, they cared more about you serving in the army than playing ball."
Two years ago, Casspi played the Garden when Maccabi faced the Knicks in an exhibition. The Garden was sold-out - with mostly Maccabi fans. The rematch is October, which Casspi will miss.
"It was a surprise for us," Casspi said. "They cheer for us and boo them. Kind of weird."
In four games, Casspi is shooting just 33 percent, averaging seven points.
