Using Jabari's numbers filtered for minutes with Amen and without Sengun/Boban/Landale as an approximation for his time at center late in the season, stats are 17/8/2 on 57% true shooting. Net rating of -0.7. That's more than solid enough as a backup center. I mean most teams still have an actual backup center who's just there to soak up minutes like a Tarik Black or Nene during the later Harden era Rockets. But in close games and hopefully future playoff games, the team can absolutely go small when Sengun's off the court rather than using the 3rd pick on said backup center.
Man i'm happy we got #3 instead of #9/10. imagine us trying to talk up Dalton Knect and Buzelis right now.
I saw a mock this morning that had Castle going to Houston at #3, with Sarr and Risacher off the board. And if you really scrutinize the credible big boards Castle is consistently listed top 5. Add to that his position versatility and elite defense that Ime likes, as well as his potential fit with Brooklyn who we know the rockets have on trade-talk speed dial….its starting to make more sense to me. I’m still concerned by the shooting but his FT% gives me some hope for improvement. If the org is out on Sheppard, I can see Castle being the pick. He does have one of the highest upsides in the draft.
Castle strikes me as a Kirkland Brand Amen Thompson. Not sure why we would go with him when we have a better, more athletic version of him already, but what do I know. Not disagreeing with you really, just thinking aloud.
That's the thing. Jalen is going to show up ready to roll after his first ever season of real coaching. He experienced for the first time how playing smart defense and offense can directly lead to wins. It's going to complicate things from a minutes perspective.
Sure, that's the Jalen Green fan cope this offseason just like "3rd year leap" was the cope last offseason.... the question is, what do you pivot to when none of those things happen yet again?
Our defense was tops for teams that did not make the play-in/offs this past season. Our shooting percentages were league wide lows, we need shooting and need it badly. Klingan would be nice insurance if Adams were to come back a shell of himself and/or not at all. I would put my money on him coming back to full strength and showing he is there by mid-season. Castle would be nice but we're stockpiled with young athletic upside wing players that lack shooting skills. If we keep 3 and make the selection the right pick would be Reed Sheppard. Not only can he provide instant floor spacing and shooting but he's a solid defender with great instincts and great athleticism for a guy of his stature. I view him as a shorter and less lengthier Klay Thompson coming out.
I don't think it's a bad idea to double down on the same type of prospect. Cause prospects fail more often than not. I just don't know how they can both develop when the team is so devoid of shooting. And this is extra true once you ignore the veterans on this team (Jeff Green, FVV, Brooks, Holiday) because the youngsters are all below average in this regards. Plus only one of them, Jabari, looks to be clearly on track to be above average in both 3pt% and attempts going forward. Cam also has potential but too early to tell. And the others I'll believe it when I see it.
Not that I put much stock in Kelly Iko's basketball acumen, but whatever he writes may be influenced by his connections with the Rockets front office. So there is probably some value in his top-5 list for the #3 pick. FYI he is assuming Sarr and Risacher go 1&2 here. 1. Topic 2. Buzelis 3. Castle 4. Clingan 5. Sheppard https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5527629/2024/05/30/houston-rockets-2024-nba-draft-3rd-pick/
So the rankings in order are the injury prone euro who can't shoot, the G league scrub that can't shoot, the brick Castle who can't shoot, the 3rd string center, the obvious correct pick. I wouldn't put it past Stone to rank things this way.
Castle is certainly interesting. Definitely an Ime type. I wouldn’t be upset if they took him. Unlike Amen, his shot isn’t broken — the form is fine, he shoots 75% from the line, and shot 33% from the 3 in conference play.
It's actually worse, he's scared to shoot the 3 and is completely uncomfortable behind the arc. Would be absolutely the most hilariously dumb pick possible, which is why I'm low key pulling for it if we can't have the obvious right pick
I don’t see that at all. He took about 2 threes a game on 8 overall shots. 25% of your shots from beyond the arc doesn’t strike me as someone who’s afraid of shooting.
I saw that. First thought was if they draft it might be great to trade down in the lotto, still get their guy + future pick(s).
My ‘concern’ is if they go Big Conn @3 what might that portend for Sengun? He doesn’t have me convinced that Coach Ime is 100% sold; and yet he might return a haul? Is that really what is most desired?
I think the only chance the Rockets trade down is if Clingan becomes a big riser before the draft. Everyone else on that list, if they have good workouts and in the case of Topic have a clean medical, the Rockets probably just not risk it and take the guy they like at 3.
