CLEVELAND – It didn't take long for Omri Casspi to become a fan favorite in Sacramento.

Casspi along with Tyreke Evans were first-round draft picks of the Kings in 2009. Both started well and played in the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge during All-Star weekend.

But by the end of his second season Casspi's playing time wasn't consistent and he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for forward J.J. Hickson and a protected first-round draft pick.

Casspi said he likes his new team, calling them a "great group of guys" and enjoys playing for coach Byron Scott.

"He's like a father to us but at the same time he's very demanding," Casspi said.

Things didn't start off smoothly for Casspi. He sprained the MCL in his left knee playing for the Israeli National Team over the summer. Casspi sprained his right MCL during the shortened training camp after the NBA lockout ended.

Casspi entered the game averaging 7.7 points and 3.5 rebounds this season, both career lows. Casspi said he is feeling healthy and expects his play to continue to improve.

"It's a little different than what I was used to in Sacramento," Casspi said. "I'm just trying to learn and catch up."

Casspi set a career high with 12 rebounds in the Cavaliers 93-92 win over the Kings Sunday at Quicken Loans Arena.

Hickson's return – When the Kings drafted power forward Tristan Thompson with the fourth pick in the last June's draft, Hickson's time in Cleveland was about to end, even if he didn't want it to.

"Unfortunately it happened and I'm a Sacramento Kings now," Hickson said.

Even though the Cavs had the second-worst record in the NBA last season after LeBron James' left as a free agent, Hickson wasn't looking to leave after three seasons with Cleveland.

"After going through the season we went through last year I didn't want to come to a situation like this," Hickson said.

Hickson was scoreless with four rebounds and an assist in 16 minutes Sunday.

Welcome back – Kings coach Keith Smart broke into the NBA coaching ranks with the Cavaliers as an assistant coach for three seasons.

Smart was the interim coach after Lucas was fired in 2003 going 9-31. After that season Smart would join Golden State's staff and the Cavs won the Draft Lottery and selected James.

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