Omri Casspi hasn't played for the Kings since the 2010-11 season, but he still has fans in Sacramento.
If you don't think so, you missed Monday night's national anthem, which was sung by a fan wearing a Casspi Kings jersey.
Casspi, a first-round pick of the Kings in 2009, is in his second season with the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded following the 2010-11 season.
Casspi spoke to a group of fans before the Cavaliers played the Kings at Sleep Train Arena, which is not uncommon for the first Israel-born player in NBA history.
He also was greeted with loud applause when he checked into the game to start the second quarter.
It was Casspi's first game in Sacramento since the trade. The Cavs didn't play in Sacramento last season, which was shortened by a lockout.
"A lot of great memories," Casspi said. "This is my first NBA team, where it all started for me. I'm just happy to be back. It's fun."
Casspi doesn't like the prospect of not being able to return to his first NBA city if the Kings are sold and moved to Seattle.
"This city needs a team. This city deserves a team," Casspi said. "That's the more appropriate word. They have a great fan base. It will be a very sad day for me and the NBA if this team is not going to be here anymore."
Scott reminisces – Cleveland coach and former Kings assistant coach Byron Scott also was back in town.
Scott coached under Rick Adelman from 1998 to 2000 before becoming the head coach of the New Jersey Nets.
"The fans were unbelievable," Scott said. "It was my first coaching job. Getting to learn from Rick Adelman was a true blessing."
Scott played plenty of times in Sacramento, too, as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
"If this is the last game (for Scott in Sacramento), then it's going to be sad because this has been a great basketball city," Scott said. "I've always thought over the last few years Seattle would get another team. It's too great of a city not to. I just didn't think it would be the Sacramento team leaving."
Back on the bench – Kings guard Aaron Brooks was active Monday after missing Saturday's game because of the flu.
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