Omri Casspi, one of Maccabi Tel Aviv's most recognizable faces and the first Israeli player in the National Basketball Association, announced on Sunday that he was retiring from the game.
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The 33-year-old made history in 2009 when he became the first Israeli to land a contract with an NBA team after being selected in the Draft. He is considered one of the greatest basketball players in Israeli history.
Casspi has played for iconic Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv for the last two seasons at, but he has been plagued by injuries.
In his announcement Sunday, the former captain of Israel's national basketball team said, "The game has given so much over the years. I have reached the heights of basketball in Europe and around the world in a way the I could have never imagined before, playing against Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and even went to the White House.
"I never believe I'd make those dreams come true," he said, "but I realized it was my time to quit active basketball and start the next stage in life."
During his 10-year NBA career, Casspi played for the Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors.
"Omri Casspi's career has shown us how much hard work and sacrifice are required, and how much determination is necessary when you want to become an elite athlete," Culture and Sports Minister Chili Tropper said.
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