NCAA champion with UConn, Stephon Castle (1m98, 19 years old) is regularly cited among the players who will be called up between 6th and 10th place on the evening of the Draft. A tall back, capable of leading the game, he is reminiscent of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or RJ Barrett with his changes of pace and this false nonchalance, but also this ability to use his opponent's physique when he makes contact. He is also a good defender, and it is this “two-way player” side, but also his versatility, that interests scouts and NBA franchises.
Except that the person concerned doesn't want to find himself blocked by a star, and above all he wants to lead the game! This is what reports ESPN, which sees him more on the Jazz side, in 10th position. During interviews at the Draft Combine, Stephon Castle sent the message that he does not see himself as a second guard in the NBA, and that he would not try out in formations that do not have a need at the led.
“I think my real position is that of playmaker, and I think that in recent months I have had to sacrifice myself for the good of the team,” he explained in Chicago. “I have the impression that my qualities are quite underestimated in this area. I feel like I demonstrated that in high school, because I had the ball more often. I think I see the game well, and I can find the players in the paint. “It’s a quality that a leader in the NBA must have, and I think I’m capable of it.”
Not really skillful from afar, with fairly slow shooting mechanics, the best freshman in the Big East would therefore see himself alongside a shooter, and his versatility, on positions 1 and 2, could allow him to stand out.
In the sights of Spurs?
Taking a look at the Top 10 of the Draft, it is difficult to imagine him accepting trials with the Pistons (5th choice) due to the presence of Cade Cunningham.
Same thing with the Hornets (6th choice) where LaMelo Ball carries the ball a lot. In Portland (7th choice), the point guard position is promised to Scoot Henderson while the Grizzlies (9th choice) obviously have no need with Ja Morant. This leaves 8th place, which belongs to the Spurs, and 10th, to the Jazz.
If the Spurs keep their 8th pick, The Athletic announces that Stephon Castle is on their list. Maybe even with their 4th choice, but we can doubt it. ESPN even reports that the person concerned refuses to do workouts because he already has the promise of being taken by a franchise. For the moment, he has not carried out any tests.
