If we're talking about the tweet I'm thinking of, I think Givony confirmed it too (I guess on TV?): Castle's comments in his interview at the combine also semi-implied this (definitely not a great answer). That said, I'm not sure if he's being a diva or if this is just weirdness combined with mishandled agent stuff. Sam Vecenie acted like the intel on Castle was *really* good (ultimate teammate and all that). I can't help but be a bit concerned by some of the specific things being said, but based on public info, Castle *probably* wouldn't be a problem in this way as I initially feared. My issues with him are that I'd *like* him to have some PG skills but not sure I fully buy it (without a lot of development), and he'd also have to work on a lot of his offensive game in general anyway while also continuing to be a beast on defense. His 3pt shot is not that bad, though his hesitation and overall 3pt rate do concern me a bit. Even if he's a 40% 3pt shooter, if he's only taking 1.5 3s a game (per 36 minutes or whatever), that's not going to be much better than what Amen does with his shooting (especially if Castle doesn't develop a pull up game). I also wonder if you could just get a comparable player via other routes (e.g., Melton). I am lower on Castle than a lot of folks though, so I'm probably just missing something in my evaluation of him.
It'll definitely put a damper on the outlook of the franchise if they screw up this opportunity with short sighed BS moves chasing names rather than building a winner. I have such little faith in Stone that I'm relatively certain he's going to screw this all up.
Why not this guy? He tested well, can defend both backcourt spots and shot well. Plus he has an NBA pedigree.
Agreed, but I don’t take any reports involving the Nets seriously. As you said, the Bridges PR push is in overdrive, and they are working every media member to convince people Bridges has massive value. At least that is what I hope is true. A Brooks + secondary asset (a future Houston pick, a protected sell-back of 2026 Nets pick, Tate, etc.) is fine. But no premium assets (#3 or any of the big 6).
“We’re doing this. We are going to make the change. We’re going to go after it and roll the dice. The one thing I believe you do in business, and you do in basketball, is you never sit still. You always keep it exciting. It’s exciting for the fans.” Do I blame Ime “I’ve never missed the playoffs” Udoka or Tilman Fertitta or Rafael Stone? *paraphrasing, think he said it before or during the season
3. Donovan Clingan — League sources say the Rockets have had conversation with the Grizzlies about trading down from this pick, and that the Rockets hold out hope that the Nets would be willing to move Mikal Bridges for it. But those same sources say the Nets, on the contrary, prefer to add pieces around Bridges. If Houston stays put, Clingan or Reed Sheppard seem to be the most likely picks. And if the pick is moved, most likely it'll be to a team that wants to take Clingan. So Clingan gets the nod here as a center with Rudy Gobert-esque dimensions. If he or Alperen Sengun can successfully add a 3-point shot, then the Rockets would have immense size on defense, and tons of playmaking skill from the frontcourt. 1. Hawks - Risacher (Risacher seems like the most likely choice at this point for the Hawks. I don’t think this pick is a lock, though: League sources say the Hawks have been unable to bring in top prospects to Atlanta for workouts so far. The expectation is that’ll change in the lead-up to the draft, and getting to spend hands-on time with these guys would certainly help in clarifying the front office’s big decision, whether that’s to keep the pick, trade down, or trade out entirely.) 2. Wizards - Sarr 3. Rockets - Clingan 4. Spurs - Buzelis (“League sources say the Spurs, who have the fourth and eighth picks, could try to package them to move up”) 5. Pistons - Sheppard 6. Hornets - Castle 7. Blazers - Salaun 8. Spurs - Topić 9. Grizzlies - Ware (“League sources say the Grizzlies are looking to trade up in the draft. Could it be for center Donovan Clingan?”) 10. Jazz - C.Williams 11. Bulls - D.Carter (“League sources say that Devin Carter has received a promise somewhere in the lottery.”) 12. Thunder - Edey 13. Kings - Knecht 14. Blazers - Holland 15. Heat - Dillingham
Have a feeling he's going to be a guy we wish we had if we don't pick him--even if we get a dude like Reed Sheppard and he works out. Carter just screams "player that every team wishes they had on their roster"
@J.R. you been on fire this offseason. You faded down the stretch. I’m concerned the Udoker played you too many minutes given your age
If Castle will not talk to the Rockets, since they have starting PG and maybe a future PG already on the roster, he is an idiot. I don't think that he is an idiot. The Rockets will need a starting PG in 1/2 years when FVV's contract is done. The heir apparent PG has bad handles and no outside shot (both which are being addressed this offseason one would hope). Objectively an incoming rookie PG has a straight path to being a starter. Castle in particular will have a 1/2 window to learn how to play NBA PG and will have to outcompete Amen. Also Castle may come in ahead of Amen in PG skills.
