Latest news with #StephonCastle
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spurs' Stephon Castle hits 2025-26 outlook with reality check after ROY win
The post Spurs' Stephon Castle hits 2025-26 outlook with reality check after ROY win appeared first on ClutchPoints. With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, it's easy to forget now, but leading up to last year's draft and once Stephon Castle's name was announced, it appeared as though the San Antonio Spurs may had again come away with a potential Rookie of the Year. Advertisement His quiet confidence tells you that the former UConn Husky sees it that way. His words suggest another. 'I mean, everybody in the NBA has seen that I was Rookie of the Year,' Castle observed upon receiving the award. He then added a statement that raised some eyebrows. 'Coming into next year, I can't really sneak up on anybody like I did this year.' For the Covington, Ga., native to have snuck up on opponents speaks volumes. From the moment odds makers started tracking, they had Castle winning the Rookie of the Year. 'It's definitely a blessing to be in that position,' the national champion with the Huskies added. Stephon Castle looks forward after stellar rookie season Considering only four players in San Antonio have won ROY, it stands to reason that Castle and Victor Wembanyama became the first Spurs to win it back to back. More importantly, it gives the franchise another building block as they aim to reclaim past glory. Advertisement 'I think that just speaks super highly of our front office, the guy who make the decisions,' Castle shared. 'It obviously speaks highly of me and Vic. It speaks highly of our future as well – what we have going on and what we plan on doing here pretty soon.' Though he entered with expectations, unlike Wemby, Castle didn't arrive with worldwide hype. 'I've been really going through that all year. Just being in the NBA is an accomplishment for me,' the 20-year-old guard continued. 'To be where I am today, those emotions, it's hard to hold them in. Just really embracing those moments with family. They're always around supporting. They never miss a step. They make it easy to enjoy moments like this. 'It means the world to see all the support that I get from San Antonio,' Castle added about the vast support. Stephon Castle more than lived up to expectations in rookie season In starting 47 and playing in 81 games, Castle averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. Down the final stretch of the season, he admitted Rookie of the Year was his. Advertisement 'I don't shy away from any of those moments, so just to get everybody's best shot is definitely a blessing.' ClutchPoints previously asked Castle about navigating through his first season in the NBA for the Spurs. 'When I hear expectations, I try and break through that wall no matter what it is. I'm feel like I'm super confident in myself as a player.' It's confidence that started at the NBA level the moment Spurs GM Brian Wright drafted him. 'I heard B. Wright say it all the time that he didn't even know what kind of player he was getting,' Castle continued. 'Internally, I knew who I was. That's why I stay even keel, stay humble because I feel like all the work that I put in will eventually show.' Advertisement It already has. Castle and the Spurs now prepare for year two. Related: Spurs' 10 best NBA Draft Day moves in history Related: NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracy
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spurs rumors: Ex-San Antonio VP reveals major hold up in Kevin Durant trade
The post Spurs rumors: Ex-San Antonio VP reveals major hold up in Kevin Durant trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. As speculation surrounding Kevin Durant's future with the Phoenix Suns intensifies, former San Antonio Spurs executive Kirk Goldsberry has shed light on a significant barrier preventing the Spurs from making a deal for the 15-time All-Star. Speaking on The Lowe Post with ESPN's Zach Lowe, Goldsberry detailed the internal hesitation in San Antonio's front office regarding the price tag attached to a potential Durant trade. Advertisement 'I know our friends in San Antonio think the price is too high,' Goldsberry said. 'And in the original discussions including the number two pick and/or Stephon Castle are not going very well on the Spurs end of the telephone, I can tell you that.' The Spurs hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and also have reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, who is viewed as a cornerstone of the team's rebuilding efforts. Castle, 20, averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 42.8% from the field and 28.5% from three across 81 games during his rookie season. His performance and poise earned him top honors among first-year players, reinforcing his value as a long-term piece for the franchise. Spurs cautious on Kevin Durant trade as Suns' price, age, and contract raise concerns Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports Despite Castle's emergence, the Spurs endured a difficult season, finishing 34-48 and 13th in the Western Conference. Injuries played a key role in their struggles, particularly to franchise center Victor Wembanyama and newly acquired guard De'Aaron Fox. Fox, who was added at the trade deadline, appeared in just 17 games for San Antonio. Advertisement Goldsberry noted that while there is mutual respect for Durant's game and legacy, Phoenix's current asking price is a stumbling block. 'Everybody loves Kevin Durant, even though he's 36 soon to be 37,' he said. 'But the Phoenix Suns, my understanding is they're asking for a little too much. I had one Eastern Conference Executive say the name is better than the game.' Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the 2024–25 season while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc. Despite his continued elite production, questions surrounding his durability, age, and expiring contract have complicated his trade value. He is set to make $54.7 million in the final guaranteed year of his deal. San Antonio, with a deep asset pool and a rising young core led by Wembanyama and Castle, is considered one of Durant's preferred destinations. However, the franchise remains cautious about sacrificing foundational pieces for a short-term swing — especially one involving a player nearing the twilight of his career. Advertisement As Phoenix continues to explore the market, the Spurs' reluctance to include either the No. 2 pick or Castle may ultimately stall discussions. Unless the Suns lower their asking price or San Antonio shifts its stance, a Durant deal appears unlikely in the immediate future. Related: Sources: Spurs ominously go quiet amid Kevin Durant trade speculation Related: Spurs rumors: Shams jabs 'body language police' after viral Kevin Durant trade moment
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spurs could draft Johnson, Maluach, or Knueppel if they pass on Harper
Spurs could draft Johnson, Maluach, or Knueppel if they pass on Harper originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The San Antonio Spurs, after rising up in the NBA Draft lottery, are expected to draft Rutgers' standout Dylan Harper, pairing him with Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama in the young core. Advertisement Harper averaged 19.4 points, four assists, and 1.4 steals in his lose season with the Scarlet Knights. His outside shooting is not elite, but there are hopes he can space the floor for the Spurs. However, not everyone is convinced that the Spurs will pick him second overall. "That's the pick belonging to the San Antonio Spurs, and while everyone has them taking Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, sources say that's not a done deal," Hoops Wire's Sam Amico reported on Wednesday. While there is plenty of quality talent in the draft, Harper seems to be the clear-cut second-best player behind Cooper Flagg. If the Spurs shock the world, there are three solid options for them to add with the second pick. 1. Kon Knueppel Kon Knueppel was the second-best player on the Duke Blue Devils, next to Flagg, and is one of the best shooters in the country. He averaged 14.4 points while shooting 40.6 percent from deep, and he can do a little bit of everything on both sides of the floor. Advertisement While he doesn't project to be a possible franchise player like Harper, he is a better fit, although the Spurs are expected to take the best player available. Barring a trade, the Spurs could start De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Wembanyama with Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan, and Knueppel coming off the bench, giving them plenty of depth on the wings. 2. Tre Johnson Johnson is a better scorer than Harper, but that's all he can do better. Johnson is a solid defender, but he does not make his teammates better on offense like Harper does. However, he led the SEC in scoring last season and can score from anywhere. With Castle and Fox not really serving as shooting threats, Johnson adds an outside threat, although he is much more ball-dominant than Knueppel, likely keeping the ball out of the hands of better players. Advertisement He can handle the ball, pull up in midrange, or get to the rim. There's no doubt that he's the best scorer in the draft, although Harper is simply the better player. 3. Khaman Maluach In the NBA, Wembanyama shared the floor with Zach Collins. In the Olympics, he shared the court with Rudy Gobert, and neither worked out. If the Spurs reach for Khaman Maluach with the second pick, it would demonstrate unwavering faith that a twin towers lineup would work, and so far, the track record says otherwise. Maluach is an elite rebounder and interior scorer who is a mammoth of a human, but the fit next to Wemby could be deplorable, and the Spurs shouldn't be willing to roll the dice with the second pick. Advertisement If the Spurs aren't sold on Harper, trading back in the draft makes a lot of sense, as plenty of teams are itching to have their pick of the litter after the Dallas Mavericks pick Flagg. Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Related: 3 Mock Trades the San Antonio Spurs Could Make to Add Kevin Durant Related: NBA Fans React to Latest Victor Wembanyama Update This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Stephon Castle must imporve shooting
Why Stephon Castle must imporve shooting originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the San Antonio Spurs drafted Stephon Castle fourth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, they knew that they were getting a versatile ball handler, an excellent defender, and, critically, a winner. Advertisement Castle played a massive role in the UConn Huskies winning the 2024 NCAA title and showcased his poise and competitiveness throughout his rookie season, running away with the Rookie of the Year award. However, the Spurs need him to improve one area: his shooting. Castle shot only 42.8 percent from the floor and a lowly 28.5 percent from deep in his rookie season. If the Spurs do what everyone expects and draft Dylan Harper second overall, they will have three starting-caliber guards who aren't solid shooters. Harper, Castle, and De'Aaron Fox all excel with the ball in their hands, although if none of them can serve as an elite catch-and-shoot threat, having all three of them on the floor alongside Victor Wembanyama is not a recipe for success. Advertisement Luckily, Castle shot a solid 35.3 percent on left corner 3s last season, although the sample size was rather small. If he can become a corner specialist, then he can slash from the top of the key when he plays on-ball and be a shooter when he's off the ball, and he has the size and athleticism to step into the dunker's spot if the defense starts to collapse. The working theory is that the Spurs, barring a trade, will start Wemby, Fox, Castle, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan next season, with Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie, and Harper coming off the bench. Vassell is the only above-average shooter in that starting five, and the Spurs will need Castle to expand his offensive game this summer. Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Advertisement Related: San Antonio Spurs' Guard Provides Offseason Update Related: Spurs Could Sign Veteran Center From Division Rival This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Associated Press
04-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NBA mock draft: Duke's Cooper Flagg closing in on completing journey to becoming No. 1 overall pick
There's little to no drama when it comes to predicting the No. 1 overall pick for this month's NBA draft. Cooper Flagg was earmarked for that spot before ever stepping foot on Duke's campus last fall. He did nothing to disappoint as a one-and-done college standout, guiding the Blue Devils to the Final Four while becoming only the fourth freshman to be named The Associated Press men's college basketball national player of the year. The other three? Texas' Kevin Durant in 2007, Kentucky's Anthony Davis in 2012 and Duke's Zion Williamson in 2019. Of that group, Davis and Williamson were No. 1 picks, while Durant was picked No. 2. Flagg, headlining the AP's NBA mock draft, will fit right in when the first round begins June 25. 1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, forward, Duke Fresh off trading away Luka Doncic, the Mavericks luck into a versatile 6-foot-8, 221-pound forward who can thrive as a scorer ( Atlantic Coast Conference freshman-record 42 points against Notre Dame) or playmaker (team-best 4.2 assists). His length and competitive edge can impact games defensively (team highs of 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks). And he has an all-around game more advanced than his age with room to develop as he turns 19 in December. 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, guard, Rutgers The son of former NBA guard Ron Harper offers size at the point (6-5, 213 pounds) and averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists as a freshman. He could join NBA rookie of the year Stephon Castle in the backcourt for star Victor Wembanyama. Still, there's an awkward question of how a team with Harper and fellow one-and-done prospect Ace Bailey went just 15-17. 3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, guard, Baylor The only benefit to injury-riddled seasons for stars Joel Embiid and Paul George was landing a high pick for a team that still has designs on contending in the Eastern Conference. The 6-4, 193-pound Edgecombe, who turns 20 in July, could help with two-way potential, rim-attacking athleticism and 3-point shooting. 4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, forward, Rutgers The 6-8 forward is a versatile athlete capable of stretching defenses (five January games with at least four made 3s) and tools to develop defensively. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, though for a losing team despite featuring Bailey and Harper as the NBA-bound headliners. The Hornets already have 2023 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller as a wing forward, so this would bet on talent over position need. 5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, guard, TexasIt's a simple selling point for the league's worst team: the 6-5, 190-pound freshman can score. He averaged 19.9 points to lead the Southeastern Conference while shooting 39.7% on 3s. He broke Durant's freshman Longhorns record when he scored 39 points against Arkansas in February. 6. Washington Wizards: Kasparas Jakucionis, guard/forward, IllinoisThe Wizards need help in multiple areas after winning 18 games, and the 6-5 guard has shown an all-around floor game. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists as a freshman, including one run of six straight 20-point games including against then-No. 1 Tennessee. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, guard, OklahomaThe 6-3, 180-pound combo guard averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his lone college season. Highlights included a four-point play to beat a ranked Michigan team, along with scoring 57 points in two SEC Tournament games. But he'll need to improve his outside shot (28.4% on 3s) and add bulk. 8. Brooklyn Nets: Kon Knueppel, forward, Duke With four first-rounders, the Nets could start retooling with the 6-7, 217-pound Knueppel as an efficient scorer who was named ACC Tournament MVP. Knueppel shot 40.6% on 3-pointers and ranked sixth in Division I by shooting 91.4% at the foul line. The freshman also had 10 games with at least four assists to show potential as a secondary playmaker for a Final Four team. 9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, center, Duke The 7-1, 253-pound South Sudanese big man projects as a rim-protecting lob threat. Maluach had the combine's biggest wingspan (7-6 3/4) and showed stretches of capably defending guards on switches in his lone college season. He shot 71.2% largely on dunks and putbacks, so he'll need time to refine a raw offensive game. 10. Houston Rockets: Jase Richardson, guard, Michigan StateThe son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson would offer longer-term benefits for a team that finished second in the Western Conference. Richardson is small (6-1, 178) for a combo guard, and he mentioned after a recent workout with Portland that he's working to prove he can play the point. Shooting 41.2% on 3s is enticing regardless. 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Collin Murray-Boyles, forward, South CarolinaThe sophomore has a strong frame (6-7, 240) that could allow him to work some on the wing and bang inside with a nearly 7-1 wingspan. He contributed as a capable scorer (16.8), rebounder (8.3) and defender (1.3 blocks, 1.5 steals). 12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, center, MarylandThe 6-9, 248-pounder earned a spot in March Madness lore by banking in a buzzer-beating runner to beat Colorado State and reach the NCAA Sweet 16. The nimble move illustrated the still-developing upside for a skilled freshman who nearly averaged a double-double (16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds). 13. Atlanta Hawks: Asa Newell, forward/center, Georgia The 6-9, 224-pound freshman who helped the Bulldogs return to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade offers versatile upside, though the 19-year-old will need time to get stronger and improve his shooting (29.2% on 3s). 14. San Antonio Spurs: Noa Essengue, forward, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) The lanky 6-9, 194-pound forward from France has been honing versatile skills in Germany and turns 19 in December. He has the ability to run the court and attack off the dribble, averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in Germany this season. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Carter Bryant, forward, Arizona The 6-7, 215-pound freshman reserve shot 37.1% on 3s and showed defensive potential by averaging a block per game despite playing just 19 minutes a night. He had one of the top max vertical leaps at the combine (39.5 inches). 16. Orlando Magic: Thomas Sorber, center, Georgetown The 6-9, 263-pound freshman offers a strudy interior presence with a 7-6 wingspan, proving capable of operating in the post or in traffic while also flashing face-up skills. The 19-year-old could help himself by developing his 3-point shot (6 of 37, 16.2%). 17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Rasheer Fleming, forward/center, Saint Joseph's The 6-8, 232-pound Fleming increased his output in three college seasons and brings a sturdy frame to the NBA. He averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and has improved his 3-pointing from 31.3% through his first two college seasons to 39% last year. He also had one of the combine's biggest wingspans at better than 7-5. 18. Washington Wizards: Egor Demin, guard/forward, BYU A top international prospect from Russia, the 19-year-old Demin spent a season at BYU as a playmaker with size (6-9, 199). That could allow teams to run offense through him as a strong passer who had 15 assists against two turnovers in 54 minutes of work during his last two NCAA Tournament games for a Sweet 16 team. 19. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, guard, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) After grabbing Knueppel at eighth, the Nets could further bolster their perimeter with the 6-6, 201-pound lefty from Israel. Saraf has proven adept as a scoring playmaker, averaging 12.8 points and 4.6 assists this season in Germany. 20. Miami Heat: Liam McNeeley, forward, UConn The 6-7, 215-pound McNeeley jumped right in as a freshman starter for the two-time reigning NCAA champion Huskies and projects as a floor-stretching wing, including with 22 points in the NCAAs against eventual champion Florida and a 38-point showing against then-No. 24 Creighton. 21. Utah Jazz: Danny Wolf, forward/center, Michigan The 6-11, 252-pound junior thrived in moving from the Ivy League (Yale) to the Big Ten as a low-post presence, averaging 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds while ranking among Division I leaders with 15 double-doubles. He also showed the ability to step outside (38 made 3s in 37 games). 22. Atlanta Hawks: Nolan Traore, guard, Saint-Quentin BB (France) The 6-5, 175-pound guard from France is a scoring playmaker and has been regarded as a possible lottery prospect. The 19-year-old had previously drawn recruiting interest from programs like Duke, Alabama and Gonzaga before opting to remain in his home country last year. 23. Indiana Pacers: Will Riley, guard/forward, Illinois The freshman from Canada worked as a top reserve averaging 12.6 points. The 19-year-old Riley has potential as a scorer and passer with size (6-8) as he refines his game and develops physically (186 pounds). 24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nique Clifford, guard, Colorado StateThe 6-5, 202-pound Clifford took his time developing as a five-year player, though the 23-year-old is coming off a huge year (18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists). He also improved his outside shot, going from making 33.8% over three seasons at Colorado to 37.7% on higher volume in two years with the Rams. 25. Orlando Magic: Walter Clayton Jr., guard, Florida The 6-2, 199-pound combo guard was an AP first-team All-American and Final Four's most outstanding player in the Gators' national title run. That included monster tournament performances — notably the frantic comeback against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight and a career-best scoring effort against Auburn in the Final Four — that bode well for a gamer who repeatedly rose to the challenge. 26. Brooklyn Nets: Hansen Yang, center, Qingdao (China)The 7-1, 253-pound center from China turns 20 the night of the draft's second round. He has intriguing size (9-3 standing reach, nearly 7-3 wingspan) to go with shooting touch and solid passing in a developing game. 27. Brooklyn Nets: Kam Jones, guard, Marquette The 6-3, 202-pound senior was an every-game starter while missing just one game during the past three college seasons. His scoring and playmaking ability (19.2 points, 5.9 assists) made him a finalist for last year's Cousy Award presented to college's top point guard. 28. Boston Celtics: Cedric Coward, guard, Washington State The 6-5, 213-pound Coward has taken an interesting path. He started his career at Division III Willamette and spent two seasons at Eastern Washington, then played six games at Washington State due to injury and planned to transfer to Duke. But he stayed in the draft after testing well at the combine, including the best wingspan (7-2+) and standing reach (8-10) among guards, a 38.5-inch max vertical leap, and solid shooting-drill showings. 29. Phoenix Suns: Joan Beringer, center, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)Beringer, who turns 19 in November, projects as a mobile threat who can work in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat. The French big man needs time to strengthen a lean 6-11, 230-pound frame. 30. Los Angeles Clippers: Hugo Gonzalez, guard/forward, Real Madrid (Spain) The 19-year-old with a 6-6, 205-pound frame has flashed shooting range and the ability to attack off the dribble. He earned MVP honors after helping the Under-18 Real Madrid team win last year's Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) in Berlin. ___ Also considered (in alphabetical order): Ryan Kalkbrenner, center, Creighton; Noah Penda, forward, Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France); Drake Powell, guard/forward, North Carolina; Maxime Raynaud, center, Stanford. ___ The AP NBA mock draft analyzes the top prospects who have declared for the league's annual event. More AP NBA: ___ AP Basketball Writers Tim Reynolds, Aaron Beard, Brian Mahoney and John Marshall contributed to this report. ___ AP NBA:
