(JTA) — Omri Casspi, the first Israeli to play in the National Basketball Association, was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Casspi, 30, who signed a one-year contract with the Grizzlies in the offseason and played in 36 games, has not played in recent games following surgery for a torn meniscus. His recovery could have kept him out for the rest of the season.
The 6-9 forward was waived last year by the Golden State Warriors following an ankle injury ahead of the postseason. The team still gave him a championship ring in November when the Grizzlies played in Oakland against the Warriors.
Casspi was a first-round draft pick in 2009 by the Sacramento Kings. He also has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Casspi was a member of the championship Maccabi Tel Aviv team in Israel before making himself available for the NBA draft.
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