2024 NBA Draft Thread

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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1621 » by TheSuzerain » Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:53 pm

SeattleJazzFan wrote:
TheSuzerain wrote:Furphy going to get a chance to be 1st/2nd option tonight with KU's injuries.


and he completely crapped the bed.

Yeah that was bad.

He'll probably test the waters, but kind of thinking he should return unless he lights up the pre-draft camp.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1622 » by The-Power » Thu Mar 14, 2024 4:00 pm

TheSuzerain wrote:
SeattleJazzFan wrote:
TheSuzerain wrote:Furphy going to get a chance to be 1st/2nd option tonight with KU's injuries.


and he completely crapped the bed.

Yeah that was bad.

He'll probably test the waters, but kind of thinking he should return unless he lights up the pre-draft camp.

It depends on what he wants. I still think he's an easy FRP and a couple games at the end of the season in a role that he won't be asked to fill in the NBA is not going to change that. That being said, I don't think he's ready for the NBA yet and that poses a risk for his 2nd contract (or even the last team option). Either path could work out for him but poses its own risks, too.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1623 » by JMAC3 » Thu Mar 14, 2024 4:52 pm

I don't have a first round grade on Furphy. I am sure he can enter draft and probably sneak into the first round in a bad draft, but I don't have high expectations for him. Honestly Kansas just isn't good this year. Him and McCullers don't really seem worth drafting to me if I was an NBA team with 1 or 2 picks in this draft.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1624 » by JustBuzzin » Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:15 pm

Stephon Castle stock is gonna rise. I have seen him get top 8 consideration, but I have also seen him get early 20's consideration.

I watched him closely today and the dude is more than stats! He has a extremely high basketball IQ. He plays defense, had a highlight chase down block in the game today. His playmaking is underrated. Sure he doesn't score a lot , but that's not his role on UConn. He's a unselfish player and he's sacrificing to play within the system.

I'm a Hornets fan and there is one thing we need a unselfish role player who makes smart decisions. We did well with Miller, but adding another guy with that same mindset will take us to another level. I'm starting to like Castle more and more. You have to really watch him to understand his value as a player.

Thoughts on Stephon Castle?
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1625 » by JMAC3 » Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:25 pm

JustBuzzin wrote:Stephon Castle stock is gonna rise. I have seen him get top 8 consideration, but I have also seen him get early 20's consideration.

I watched him closely today and the dude is more than stats! He has a extremely high basketball IQ. He plays defense, had a highlight chase down block in the game today. His playmaking is underrated. Sure he doesn't score a lot , but that's not his role on UConn. He's a unselfish player and he's sacrificing to play within the system.

I'm a Hornets fan and there is one thing we need a unselfish role player who makes smart decisions. We did well with Miller, but adding another guy with that same mindset will take us to another level. I'm starting to like Castle more and more. You have to really watch him to understand his value as a player.

Thoughts on Stephon Castle?


I have been in on Castle for a few weeks now, I still have him in Tier 2 but I have been saying I keep wanting to place him in my top 5. He reminds me of Marcus Smart.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1626 » by The-Power » Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:28 pm

JustBuzzin wrote:Thoughts on Stephon Castle?

He needs a reliable jumper. If he develops that he could very well end up being a top 5 player from this draft. If he doesn't, he may wash out of the NBA or bounce around rosters. I think he's an NBA player because I expect him to not end up being a complete non-threat to shoot and that should be enough to stick but he likely needs to be a credible pull-up shooter to justify putting the ball in his hands at the next level – and only then he'll have a good chance to be a very good NBA player.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1627 » by Colbinii » Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:40 pm

JMAC3 wrote:
JustBuzzin wrote:Stephon Castle stock is gonna rise. I have seen him get top 8 consideration, but I have also seen him get early 20's consideration.

I watched him closely today and the dude is more than stats! He has a extremely high basketball IQ. He plays defense, had a highlight chase down block in the game today. His playmaking is underrated. Sure he doesn't score a lot , but that's not his role on UConn. He's a unselfish player and he's sacrificing to play within the system.

I'm a Hornets fan and there is one thing we need a unselfish role player who makes smart decisions. We did well with Miller, but adding another guy with that same mindset will take us to another level. I'm starting to like Castle more and more. You have to really watch him to understand his value as a player.

Thoughts on Stephon Castle?


I have been in on Castle for a few weeks now, I still have him in Tier 2 but I have been saying I keep wanting to place him in my top 5. He reminds me of Marcus Smart.


I think De'Anthony Melton is more similar than Smart.

Smart was much more electric in college, pooping off the chart on both ends with his high energy. He was also better at getting to the free throw line and a better slasher/driver.

Castle seems more in control and shows a real willingness to play in control.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1628 » by JMAC3 » Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:52 pm

Colbinii wrote:
JMAC3 wrote:
JustBuzzin wrote:Stephon Castle stock is gonna rise. I have seen him get top 8 consideration, but I have also seen him get early 20's consideration.

I watched him closely today and the dude is more than stats! He has a extremely high basketball IQ. He plays defense, had a highlight chase down block in the game today. His playmaking is underrated. Sure he doesn't score a lot , but that's not his role on UConn. He's a unselfish player and he's sacrificing to play within the system.

I'm a Hornets fan and there is one thing we need a unselfish role player who makes smart decisions. We did well with Miller, but adding another guy with that same mindset will take us to another level. I'm starting to like Castle more and more. You have to really watch him to understand his value as a player.

Thoughts on Stephon Castle?


I have been in on Castle for a few weeks now, I still have him in Tier 2 but I have been saying I keep wanting to place him in my top 5. He reminds me of Marcus Smart.


I think De'Anthony Melton is more similar than Smart.

Smart was much more electric in college, pooping off the chart on both ends with his high energy. He was also better at getting to the free throw line and a better slasher/driver.

Castle seems more in control and shows a real willingness to play in control.


I am more so talking about his build, play strength on both ends and defensive upside. Castle has great balance and he plays with such a strong base that sometimes defense looks effortless for him. His shooting is the concern, but it was for Smart too who was a career 30% guy in college and even early in his NBA career.

Despite that Smart had such good intangibles that he still was a guy you couldn't keep off the floor and that is how Castle is IMO. He is playing in a backcourt with 2 5th year seniors, 2 other starters who are back from a title team last year. The fact he is playing in a smaller role is a bit more expected from my viewpoint that he didn't come in and immediately become the center of the offense like Smart was playing for just a very average OK St team.

I also like that he has SG size, SF wingspan type of build so not only does he bring versatility to guard multiple positions but should be easier to play him in lineups that have shooting to where he isn't as big of a liability early in his career. Big fan.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1629 » by JustBuzzin » Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:01 pm

JMAC3 wrote:
JustBuzzin wrote:Stephon Castle stock is gonna rise. I have seen him get top 8 consideration, but I have also seen him get early 20's consideration.

I watched him closely today and the dude is more than stats! He has a extremely high basketball IQ. He plays defense, had a highlight chase down block in the game today. His playmaking is underrated. Sure he doesn't score a lot , but that's not his role on UConn. He's a unselfish player and he's sacrificing to play within the system.

I'm a Hornets fan and there is one thing we need a unselfish role player who makes smart decisions. We did well with Miller, but adding another guy with that same mindset will take us to another level. I'm starting to like Castle more and more. You have to really watch him to understand his value as a player.

Thoughts on Stephon Castle?


I have been in on Castle for a few weeks now, I still have him in Tier 2 but I have been saying I keep wanting to place him in my top 5. He reminds me of Marcus Smart.

I had him in tier 2, but I now would draft him top 5.

To be fair I'm looking at this draft from a fit/team perspective. I'm not saying Castle will be the best player in this draft. I'm saying from what I have seen he is probably the best fit given his abilities. I like him with Melo/Miller. He's not going to force shots he's gonna play the right way. If we trying to change the culture adding another high IQ player like that would make us better.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1630 » by JustBuzzin » Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:05 pm

The-Power wrote:
JustBuzzin wrote:Thoughts on Stephon Castle?

He needs a reliable jumper. If he develops that he could very well end up being a top 5 player from this draft. If he doesn't, he may wash out of the NBA or bounce around rosters. I think he's an NBA player because I expect him to not end up being a complete non-threat to shoot and that should be enough to stick but he likely needs to be a credible pull-up shooter to justify putting the ball in his hands at the next level – and only then he'll have a good chance to be a very good NBA player.
I disagree with him not being a NBA player without a jumpshot. He's shown he has other skills that keeps him on the floor even with a shaky jumpshot. Also kind of hard to judge his jumpshot right now because he's not shooting a lot. He's basically their 4th/5th option on offense. I think at worst he will be a rotation player. If he develops a jump shot then you're looking at Jimmy Butler 2.0.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1631 » by HadAnEffectHere » Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:07 pm

Role playing perimeter players without jumpshots are better referred to as "non-NBA players"

You can't play in the NBA without a jumpshot unless you're a center or extremely special.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1632 » by JustBuzzin » Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:17 pm

JMAC3 wrote:
Colbinii wrote:
JMAC3 wrote:
I have been in on Castle for a few weeks now, I still have him in Tier 2 but I have been saying I keep wanting to place him in my top 5. He reminds me of Marcus Smart.


I think De'Anthony Melton is more similar than Smart.

Smart was much more electric in college, pooping off the chart on both ends with his high energy. He was also better at getting to the free throw line and a better slasher/driver.

Castle seems more in control and shows a real willingness to play in control.


I am more so talking about his build, play strength on both ends and defensive upside. Castle has great balance and he plays with such a strong base that sometimes defense looks effortless for him. His shooting is the concern, but it was for Smart too who was a career 30% guy in college and even early in his NBA career.

Despite that Smart had such good intangibles that he still was a guy you couldn't keep off the floor and that is how Castle is IMO. He is playing in a backcourt with 2 5th year seniors, 2 other starters who are back from a title team last year. The fact he is playing in a smaller role is a bit more expected from my viewpoint that he didn't come in and immediately become the center of the offense like Smart was playing for just a very average OK St team.

I also like that he has SG size, SF wingspan type of build so not only does he bring versatility to guard multiple positions but should be easier to play him in lineups that have shooting to where he isn't as big of a liability early in his career. Big fan.
Versatility!

Exactly another player who can play multiple positions. The more I watch Castle the more I can see him being the secondary playmaker when Melo is out. Micic can do it, but it wouldn't hurt to have another player who can make the correct pass and keep the ball moving.

Castle has a variety of things I like about his game, but you won't notice his true value until you actually watch him. He is also a underrated cutter. Guy has a high basketball IQ.

Get smarter players and the team will play smarter. High basketball IQ is truly undervalued. Miles has all the talent in the world , but his basketball IQ is not very high. He rarely looks to pass on the fastbreak. You can't teach high basketball IQ either you have it or you don't. I can say for sure Castle has a high basketball IQ.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1633 » by Colbinii » Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:28 pm

JMAC3 wrote:
Colbinii wrote:
JMAC3 wrote:
I have been in on Castle for a few weeks now, I still have him in Tier 2 but I have been saying I keep wanting to place him in my top 5. He reminds me of Marcus Smart.


I think De'Anthony Melton is more similar than Smart.

Smart was much more electric in college, pooping off the chart on both ends with his high energy. He was also better at getting to the free throw line and a better slasher/driver.

Castle seems more in control and shows a real willingness to play in control.


I am more so talking about his build, play strength on both ends and defensive upside. Castle has great balance and he plays with such a strong base that sometimes defense looks effortless for him. His shooting is the concern, but it was for Smart too who was a career 30% guy in college and even early in his NBA career.

Despite that Smart had such good intangibles that he still was a guy you couldn't keep off the floor and that is how Castle is IMO. He is playing in a backcourt with 2 5th year seniors, 2 other starters who are back from a title team last year. The fact he is playing in a smaller role is a bit more expected from my viewpoint that he didn't come in and immediately become the center of the offense like Smart was playing for just a very average OK St team.

I also like that he has SG size, SF wingspan type of build so not only does he bring versatility to guard multiple positions but should be easier to play him in lineups that have shooting to where he isn't as big of a liability early in his career. Big fan.


You're literally describing De'Anthony Melton. Castle hasn't shown to have a 99 Percentile Motor like Marcus Smart.

De'Anthony Melton is exactly like Castle.

De'Anthony Melton joined a loaded Big 5 Conference School as a Freshman.
De'Anthony Melton took on a lesser role in college to co-exist on a talented team (USC then went deep in the tournament).
De'Anthony Melton is a solid secondary playmaker who defends at a high level.

Castle Freshman Stats: 25.1 PP100, 30% 3P, 75% FT%, 2.2 STL%, 2.1 BLK%, 19.4 AST%, 3.0 APG, 40% FTR
Melton Freshman Stats: 17.6 PP100, 28% 3P, 71% FT%, 4.0 STL%, 3.9 BLK%, 22.5 AST%, 3.5 APG, 47% FTR

Castle has some higher-end offensive outcomes which Melton doesn't possess.

Smart on the other hand was a wrecking ball as a prospect--negative AST/TO ratio, incredible FTR of 58%, Higher Usage as a college player at 27% with an incredible 5% STL%.

Castle is more along the lines of the Melton pedigree where he is much more in control as a lead/secondary creator, understand an offense and utilizes his IQ/Feel of the game to compliment his athleticism. Marcus Smart was a "Lay it all on the court" and had one of the best Motors we have ever seen. Castle hasn't shown that Motor on a consistent basis.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1634 » by JMAC3 » Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:40 pm

Colbinii wrote:
JMAC3 wrote:
Colbinii wrote:
I think De'Anthony Melton is more similar than Smart.

Smart was much more electric in college, pooping off the chart on both ends with his high energy. He was also better at getting to the free throw line and a better slasher/driver.

Castle seems more in control and shows a real willingness to play in control.


I am more so talking about his build, play strength on both ends and defensive upside. Castle has great balance and he plays with such a strong base that sometimes defense looks effortless for him. His shooting is the concern, but it was for Smart too who was a career 30% guy in college and even early in his NBA career.

Despite that Smart had such good intangibles that he still was a guy you couldn't keep off the floor and that is how Castle is IMO. He is playing in a backcourt with 2 5th year seniors, 2 other starters who are back from a title team last year. The fact he is playing in a smaller role is a bit more expected from my viewpoint that he didn't come in and immediately become the center of the offense like Smart was playing for just a very average OK St team.

I also like that he has SG size, SF wingspan type of build so not only does he bring versatility to guard multiple positions but should be easier to play him in lineups that have shooting to where he isn't as big of a liability early in his career. Big fan.


You're literally describing De'Anthony Melton. Castle hasn't shown to have a 99 Percentile Motor like Marcus Smart.

De'Anthony Melton is exactly like Castle.

De'Anthony Melton joined a loaded Big 5 Conference School as a Freshman.
De'Anthony Melton took on a lesser role in college to co-exist on a talented team (USC then went deep in the tournament).
De'Anthony Melton is a solid secondary playmaker who defends at a high level.


Castle Freshman Stats: 25.1 PP100, 30% 3P, 75% FT%, 2.2 STL%, 2.1 BLK%, 19.4 AST%, 3.0 APG, 40% FTR
Melton Freshman Stats: 17.6 PP100, 28% 3P, 71% FT%, 4.0 STL%, 3.9 BLK%, 22.5 AST%, 3.5 APG, 47% FTR

Castle has some higher-end offensive outcomes which Melton doesn't possess.

Smart on the other hand was a wrecking ball as a prospect--negative AST/TO ratio, incredible FTR of 58%, Higher Usage as a college player at 27% with an incredible 5% STL%.

Castle is more along the lines of the Melton pedigree where he is much more in control as a lead/secondary creator, understand an offense and utilizes his IQ/Feel of the game to compliment his athleticism. Marcus Smart was a "Lay it all on the court" and had one of the best Motors we have ever seen. Castle hasn't shown that Motor on a consistent basis.


USC was an 11 seed in the tourney, Melton was the 120th recruit in the country, Melton was picked 46th.
Uconn is the best team in the country, Castle a top 10 recruit, will be a lottery pick.

Melton was listed 6-4 190 lbs in college.
Castle is listed 66 215 lbs in college.

Idk if Melton joining a 21-13 team to play with Bennie Boatright and Chimezie Metu is the same as Castle joining the reigning NCAA champs. I appreciate the stat line comps, but I don't think the situation is close at all.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1635 » by Colbinii » Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:10 pm

JMAC3 wrote:
Colbinii wrote:
JMAC3 wrote:
I am more so talking about his build, play strength on both ends and defensive upside. Castle has great balance and he plays with such a strong base that sometimes defense looks effortless for him. His shooting is the concern, but it was for Smart too who was a career 30% guy in college and even early in his NBA career.

Despite that Smart had such good intangibles that he still was a guy you couldn't keep off the floor and that is how Castle is IMO. He is playing in a backcourt with 2 5th year seniors, 2 other starters who are back from a title team last year. The fact he is playing in a smaller role is a bit more expected from my viewpoint that he didn't come in and immediately become the center of the offense like Smart was playing for just a very average OK St team.

I also like that he has SG size, SF wingspan type of build so not only does he bring versatility to guard multiple positions but should be easier to play him in lineups that have shooting to where he isn't as big of a liability early in his career. Big fan.


You're literally describing De'Anthony Melton. Castle hasn't shown to have a 99 Percentile Motor like Marcus Smart.

De'Anthony Melton is exactly like Castle.

De'Anthony Melton joined a loaded Big 5 Conference School as a Freshman.
De'Anthony Melton took on a lesser role in college to co-exist on a talented team (USC then went deep in the tournament).
De'Anthony Melton is a solid secondary playmaker who defends at a high level.


Castle Freshman Stats: 25.1 PP100, 30% 3P, 75% FT%, 2.2 STL%, 2.1 BLK%, 19.4 AST%, 3.0 APG, 40% FTR
Melton Freshman Stats: 17.6 PP100, 28% 3P, 71% FT%, 4.0 STL%, 3.9 BLK%, 22.5 AST%, 3.5 APG, 47% FTR

Castle has some higher-end offensive outcomes which Melton doesn't possess.

Smart on the other hand was a wrecking ball as a prospect--negative AST/TO ratio, incredible FTR of 58%, Higher Usage as a college player at 27% with an incredible 5% STL%.

Castle is more along the lines of the Melton pedigree where he is much more in control as a lead/secondary creator, understand an offense and utilizes his IQ/Feel of the game to compliment his athleticism. Marcus Smart was a "Lay it all on the court" and had one of the best Motors we have ever seen. Castle hasn't shown that Motor on a consistent basis.


USC was an 11 seed in the tourney, Melton was the 120th recruit in the country, Melton was picked 46th.
Uconn is the best team in the country, Castle a top 10 recruit, will be a lottery pick.

Melton was listed 6-4 190 lbs in college.
Castle is listed 66 215 lbs in college.

Idk if Melton joining a 21-13 team to play with Bennie Boatright and Chimezie Metu is the same as Castle joining the reigning NCAA champs. I appreciate the stat line comps, but I don't think the situation is close at all.


Melton goes much higher than #46 in a re-draft though.

Castle also hasn't shown the same Motor as Smart, which makes Smart, but well, Marcus Smart.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1636 » by JMAC3 » Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:15 pm

Colbinii wrote:
JMAC3 wrote:
Colbinii wrote:
You're literally describing De'Anthony Melton. Castle hasn't shown to have a 99 Percentile Motor like Marcus Smart.

De'Anthony Melton is exactly like Castle.

De'Anthony Melton joined a loaded Big 5 Conference School as a Freshman.
De'Anthony Melton took on a lesser role in college to co-exist on a talented team (USC then went deep in the tournament).
De'Anthony Melton is a solid secondary playmaker who defends at a high level.


Castle Freshman Stats: 25.1 PP100, 30% 3P, 75% FT%, 2.2 STL%, 2.1 BLK%, 19.4 AST%, 3.0 APG, 40% FTR
Melton Freshman Stats: 17.6 PP100, 28% 3P, 71% FT%, 4.0 STL%, 3.9 BLK%, 22.5 AST%, 3.5 APG, 47% FTR

Castle has some higher-end offensive outcomes which Melton doesn't possess.

Smart on the other hand was a wrecking ball as a prospect--negative AST/TO ratio, incredible FTR of 58%, Higher Usage as a college player at 27% with an incredible 5% STL%.

Castle is more along the lines of the Melton pedigree where he is much more in control as a lead/secondary creator, understand an offense and utilizes his IQ/Feel of the game to compliment his athleticism. Marcus Smart was a "Lay it all on the court" and had one of the best Motors we have ever seen. Castle hasn't shown that Motor on a consistent basis.


USC was an 11 seed in the tourney, Melton was the 120th recruit in the country, Melton was picked 46th.
Uconn is the best team in the country, Castle a top 10 recruit, will be a lottery pick.

Melton was listed 6-4 190 lbs in college.
Castle is listed 66 215 lbs in college.

Idk if Melton joining a 21-13 team to play with Bennie Boatright and Chimezie Metu is the same as Castle joining the reigning NCAA champs. I appreciate the stat line comps, but I don't think the situation is close at all.


Melton goes much higher than #46 in a re-draft though.

Castle also hasn't shown the same Motor as Smart, which makes Smart, but well, Marcus Smart.


Not sure I really follow your whole Motor logic.
Castle had 4 steals in his last game, then today he had 2 blocks, 8 boards and 5 assists.
I don't think he is a low motor player at all.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1637 » by Colbinii » Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:31 pm

JMAC3 wrote:
Colbinii wrote:
JMAC3 wrote:
USC was an 11 seed in the tourney, Melton was the 120th recruit in the country, Melton was picked 46th.
Uconn is the best team in the country, Castle a top 10 recruit, will be a lottery pick.

Melton was listed 6-4 190 lbs in college.
Castle is listed 66 215 lbs in college.

Idk if Melton joining a 21-13 team to play with Bennie Boatright and Chimezie Metu is the same as Castle joining the reigning NCAA champs. I appreciate the stat line comps, but I don't think the situation is close at all.


Melton goes much higher than #46 in a re-draft though.

Castle also hasn't shown the same Motor as Smart, which makes Smart, but well, Marcus Smart.


Not sure I really follow your whole Motor logic.
Castle had 4 steals in his last game, then today he had 2 blocks, 8 boards and 5 assists.
I don't think he is a low motor player at all.


I never said he was low motor. Marcus Smart had a GOAT level motor and aggressiveness but lacked skill (Namely shooting, not a great ball handler, ect).

Castle has good physical but is cerebral. He is patient and smart with the ball and doesn't rely on his effort or size to dictate his offensive game.

Very different play styles though they may very well fill a similar role at the NBA level.

Melton also fills that role.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1638 » by FarBeyondDriven » Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:31 pm

JustBuzzin wrote:Stephon Castle stock is gonna rise. I have seen him get top 8 consideration, but I have also seen him get early 20's consideration.

I watched him closely today and the dude is more than stats! He has a extremely high basketball IQ. He plays defense, had a highlight chase down block in the game today. His playmaking is underrated. Sure he doesn't score a lot , but that's not his role on UConn. He's a unselfish player and he's sacrificing to play within the system.

I'm a Hornets fan and there is one thing we need a unselfish role player who makes smart decisions. We did well with Miller, but adding another guy with that same mindset will take us to another level. I'm starting to like Castle more and more. You have to really watch him to understand his value as a player.

Thoughts on Stephon Castle?


I'm a huge fan but today was arguably his worst game of the season. A couple ill-advised drives into traffic, badly missed threes, a lazy closeout. And all game whenever they subbed him out Uconn went on a run.

I love his 6'5" size, his build, his athleticism and the BBIQ and I feel like he will be able to run an offense and play PG as that's his natural position. However, him choosing to go to Uconn where he'll be the 5th option and not play PG is a major red flag to me. It's similar to Caleb Foster's decision to remain at Duke despite Proctor and Roach returning. I want guys that want to show the world they're "the man" This passive mindset I'm seeing in the NCAA sucks. Several freshmen chose this route this year and none of them helped their draft stock. In fact, they've all actively hurt it and many will be forced to return to school because of it.

Projecting prospects forward relies on leaps of faith in many instances but these kids and this class in general is requiring it more than usual. There are very few freshmen (Castle isn't one of them) that have proven they're OAD beyond a reasonable doubt. You have to really squint your eyes and almost ignore this season and project what you think they'll become rather than going on what they've shown they are if that makes sense. It makes evaluating this draft class very difficult. I'm sure NIL money is the main reason for this.
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1639 » by FarBeyondDriven » Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:39 pm

HadAnEffectHere wrote:Sarr finished his season shooting 27.6% from three.

......................................... Not a fan of that number.


Evan Mobley is a career 25% shooter from three. What's your point? With both Mobley and Sarr it's on low volume and small sample sizes. It's just not party of most centers repertoires tbh. There's only a handful in the NBA that shoot at a good clip on volume. Nobody is saying Sarr is an elite prospect that would go #1 in most drafts. But he's in that next class, with the likes of Evan Mobley. Guys that will be well above average starters and difference makers. He's still just 18 y/o
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Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread 

Post#1640 » by JustBuzzin » Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:52 pm

FarBeyondDriven wrote:
JustBuzzin wrote:Stephon Castle stock is gonna rise. I have seen him get top 8 consideration, but I have also seen him get early 20's consideration.

I watched him closely today and the dude is more than stats! He has a extremely high basketball IQ. He plays defense, had a highlight chase down block in the game today. His playmaking is underrated. Sure he doesn't score a lot , but that's not his role on UConn. He's a unselfish player and he's sacrificing to play within the system.

I'm a Hornets fan and there is one thing we need a unselfish role player who makes smart decisions. We did well with Miller, but adding another guy with that same mindset will take us to another level. I'm starting to like Castle more and more. You have to really watch him to understand his value as a player.

Thoughts on Stephon Castle?


I'm a huge fan but today was arguably his worst game of the season. A couple ill-advised drives into traffic, badly missed threes, a lazy closeout. And all game whenever they subbed him out Uconn went on a run.

I love his 6'5" size, his build, his athleticism and the BBIQ and I feel like he will be able to run an offense and play PG as that's his natural position. However, him choosing to go to Uconn where he'll be the 5th option and not play PG is a major red flag to me. It's similar to Caleb Foster's decision to remain at Duke despite Proctor and Roach returning. I want guys that want to show the world they're "the man" This passive mindset I'm seeing in the NCAA sucks. Several freshmen chose this route this year and none of them helped their draft stock. In fact, they've all actively hurt it and many will be forced to return to school because of it.

Projecting prospects forward relies on leaps of faith in many instances but these kids and this class in general is requiring it more than usual. There are very few freshmen (Castle isn't one of them) that have proven they're OAD beyond a reasonable doubt. You have to really squint your eyes and almost ignore this season and project what you think they'll become rather than going on what they've shown they are if that makes sense. It makes evaluating this draft class very difficult. I'm sure NIL money is the main reason for this.

I don't know bro, I thought he played pretty good today. That chase down block was something special. He feels like a dude who has took a lesser role for the team to win. As you said he's the 4th/5th option. I know his jumpshot is a concern, but everything else looks pretty good to me.

I'm not saying he is the best prospect, but on a team like Charlotte I think he would be the best fit for what we have. His basketball IQ is the most underrated part of his game imo. Always seems to play under control and make the right play. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions. He is a great cutter as well. I know if his shot isn't falling he can do other things on the court.

I like his game overall.

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