Ex-Golden State Warriors Player Signs With Team In Russia

Omari Spellman, who played for the Warriors and Hawks, has signed with a team in Russia.

Jan 2, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Omari Spellman (4) dunks the ball in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports / David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

Omari Spellman most recently played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season when he was a member of the Golden State Warriors.

That year, he averaged 7.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 43.1% from the field and 39.1% from the three-point range in 49 games (three starts).

Jan 18, 2020; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Omari Spellman (4) hits a 3-pointer during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Recently, Spellman signed with BC Zenit Saint Petersburg (h/t Alberto De Roa of HoopsHype).

Via zenitbasket (translated to English): "Zenit has signed a contract with forward Omari Spellman. The agreement with the 26-year-old player is planned until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Welcome to St. Petersburg!"

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A post shared by БК «Зенит» / Zenit BC (@zenitbasket)

Spellman was the 30th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Villanova.

He finished his freshman season of college basketball with averages of 10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per contest while shooting 47.6% from the field and 43.3% from the three-point range in 40 games.

The Wildcats also won the 2018 NCAA Championship.

Top Villanova Players of the Decade! 👀🤔

1. Jalen Brunson
2. Josh Hart
3. Mikal Bridges
4. Scottie Reynolds
5. Ryan Arcidiacono
6. Darrun Hilliard
7. Phil Booth
8. Donte DiVincenzo
9. Kris Jenkins
10. Omari Spellman
11. Eric Paschall
👉 https://t.co/mnLQXISKbE pic.twitter.com/jKz9ffQX0V

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 21, 2020

In addition to the Warriors, Spellman has also played one season (his rookie year) with the Atlanta Hawks.

Over two years in the NBA, he had career averages of 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 41.7% from the field and 36.6% from the three-point range in 95 games.

Feb 9, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Omari Spellman (6) shoots a three point basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports / Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

At just 26, Spellman is in the prime of his basketball career, so he could end up returning to the NBA at some point.

Via BDA Sports INTL on July 8: "Omari Spellman earned a spot on the “All-Star Five” of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia.

Averaging 15.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, & 1 BPG, Spellman played a pivotal role for Lebanon in their matches vs Spain, Angola, & the Bahamas. 👏🏼"

Omari Spellman earned a spot on the “All-Star Five” of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia.

Averaging 15.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, & 1 BPG, Spellman played a pivotal role for Lebanon in their matches vs Spain, Angola, & the Bahamas. 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/xtAgHZxLWK

— BDA Sports INTL (@BDASportsINTL) July 8, 2024