Team Liquid's rebuild has once again become a talking point after former coach and analyst Kassad criticized the organization's long-term handling of veteran rifler NAF. According to Kassad, Liquid missed the right moment to either bench or transfer one of the team's longest-serving players, arguing that the decision should have happened much earlier.

The comments arrive during another period of significant roster changes for Liquid, with the organization already reshaping its lineup ahead of the second half of the 2026 CS2 season.

 

Quick Summary

 

What Happened?

NAF has been one of Team Liquid's longest-serving and most consistent Counter-Strike players throughout multiple roster eras.

 

Kassad stated that Liquid should have either benched or sold NAF a long time ago, arguing that the organization waited too long before making major structural changes around its veteran core.

His comments are opinion rather than insider reporting and should not be interpreted as confirmation that Liquid intends to remove NAF from the active lineup.

The remarks come shortly after Liquid completed another wave of roster moves, including benching AWPer ultimate and signing young Bulgarian sniper Jorko, highlighting the organization's willingness to make significant personnel changes.

 

Background and Context

NAF has been one of Team Liquid's defining players for years and remains one of the most accomplished North American Counter-Strike professionals.

Throughout multiple roster iterations, he has frequently been viewed as one of Liquid's most consistent performers. Even during difficult stretches in 2026, NAF publicly expressed disappointment with the team's results while emphasizing that the organization "deserves to be on top."

However, Liquid's recent seasons have included:

repeated roster rebuilds;

changes in leadership;

inconsistent tournament performances;

multiple attempts to return to elite contention.

Those struggles have naturally increased scrutiny around every veteran player on the roster.

 

Why Kassad's Comments Matter

Although Kassad does not represent Liquid, he remains one of Counter-Strike's most outspoken analysts and former coaches.

His criticism reflects a broader discussion within the competitive community:

Should organizations rebuild around experienced stars?

When does loyalty become counterproductive?

Is keeping veteran players limiting future development?

Kassad's comments focus less on NAF's individual talent and more on the timing of Liquid's rebuild.

 

Timeline

 

Current Team Liquid Roster (Reported)

 

 

Key Details

 

Tactical Impact

Replacing a veteran like NAF would affect more than firepower—it would also reshape Team Liquid's roles, experience, and mid-round structure.

 

Because Kassad's remarks are opinion rather than a report, there is no immediate tactical impact.

However, they reinforce a long-running discussion about Liquid's roster philosophy:

maintaining experienced veterans versus accelerating a rebuild;

balancing leadership with firepower;

determining whether gradual roster changes are sufficient.

Since NAF often fills supportive and clutch-oriented positions, replacing him would represent more than simply swapping one rifler for another. It could require broader role redistribution across the lineup.

 

Historical Comparison

 

Team Liquid have experienced multiple roster cycles since their championship-winning years, with each rebuild bringing a different competitive philosophy.

 

This is far from the first time Team Liquid has faced calls for major roster changes.

Over the past several years the organization has repeatedly adjusted:

in-game leadership;

AWP position;

international roster composition;

coaching staff.

The recent benching of ultimate demonstrates that Liquid remain willing to continue restructuring when results fall below expectations.

 

What Changes Now?

At the time of writing:

Nothing changes officially for NAF.

Liquid have not announced any roster move involving the Canadian veteran.

Kassad's comments remain external analysis rather than organizational policy.

 

What to Watch Next

Several developments could determine whether the discussion grows beyond opinion:

1. Liquid's performances with their updated roster.
2. Future tournament results during the second half of 2026.
3. Any additional roster announcements from the organization.
4. Comments from Liquid players or management regarding the rebuild.
5. Whether NAF remains a central piece of Liquid's long-term plans.

 

FAQ

What did Kassad say about NAF?

According to Cybersport.ru, Kassad said Team Liquid should have benched or sold NAF much earlier rather than continuing with the veteran for so long.

Has Liquid benched NAF?

No. There has been no official announcement that NAF has been removed from the active roster.

Is Kassad reporting insider information?

No. These are his opinions as an analyst and former coach, not an official report about an upcoming roster move.

Why is NAF important to Liquid?

NAF has been one of the organization's longest-serving and most accomplished Counter-Strike players, known for consistency and clutch performances.

What was Liquid's latest official roster move?

Liquid officially benched ultimate and signed Jorko as their new AWPer.