Castle was so meh. Eli Wittus took out his biggest gun and came out on top. What a bullet we have dodged.
I guess, but Stone did say something similar two years ago after drafting Jabari Smith, when it seemed pretty clear Banchero was their guy.
It was part joking. Iko said what he was told to say for a reason. And Stone said what he had to say. It’s all part of the game.
I think Stone did in fact pick his top guy. The Hawks sent out a communication that for them it was between the French player and Sheppard. Either they were honest, and really like Sheppard too; or wanted to scare the Rockets into trading additional assets to secure their top guy in Sheppard. The Rockets didn’t flinch, and the Hawks went with the French player.
Kelly Iko is pathetic. The Athletic has some very good NBA team writers but he sure isn't one of them.