Sacramento Kings have received a timely boost ahead of the new NBA season after Omri Casspi confirmed his return to fitness following a lengthy injury.

Casspi, 28, has fully recovered from the hip problem that sidelined him at the end of last term and for much of the summer.

He is now considered a veteran as he begins his eighth season in the NBA and his fifth season with the Sacramento Kings, who open their campaign next Thursday at home to the Phoenix Suns at their new 17,500 arena.

NBA pundits see the Kings as a long-shot for the NBA playoffs, but the 6' 9" forward feels it can be achieved. "The playoffs are my big dream,” he said. “The Kings have a long way to go but we are very talented. We need to gel as a team and start delivering the results."

Although Casspi spent the summer months recovering from injury, it was an exciting period for the Israeli who married his girlfriend Shani Ruderman, a lawyer now studying for the California bar. "I'm used to performing before crowds but standing under the chuppah with the love of my life and my family was a once in a lifetime and emotional moment."

Meanwhile, David Blatt will be awarded a championship ring by the Cleveland Cavaliers next week for his contribution to the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA title last season. The Israeli was sacked in January even though the Cavs had an impressive 30-11 record. Blatt is currently managing Turkish team Darussafaka.