STEPHON CASTLE SCOUTING REPORT | 2024 NBA Draft | San Antonio Spurs | UConn Huskies

New #SanAntonioSpurs playmaker Stephon Castle has been one of the best freshmen in #collegebasketball. How high can he go in the #NBADraft?
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Credit:
- "Benz" - Yung Kartz
- "Warzone" - Anno Domini Beats
- ESPN
- CBS
- FOX Sports
- Peacock
- NCAA
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:15 Feel and play finishing
2:05 Shooting
4:45 Scoring
7:16 Playmaking
8:44 Offensive improvements
11:25 Ancillary skills
12:12 Defense
14:24 NBA Draft projection and Takeaway

[@lawsofhumannature2049]

Dude is 6'7" and can full court press any point guard 🔥

[@FloorandCeiling]

He's gonna be a pretty good defender, but I'd really say he's closer to 6-6.

[@licenciadobrubaker]

Castle seems to me to be an interesting player project, although with some doubts. On the one hand, he has a good physique, is intense and is not afraid to go to the hoop. Defensively I like him, he moves his feet very well and doesn't lose position and is able to pass screens no matter how strong they are. But his problems are: - his shot is inconsistent, sometimes it's too flat, sometimes he has too much arc. He has to get a reliable shot. - At the moment he can't play point guard, he lacks ball handling and with his height he needs to play that position. - makes bad decisions, both on offense and defense. Something logical given his inexperience. I think if he works on those flaws he can have a good NBA career, but he needs a lot of training.

[@FloorandCeiling]

He's a solid enough athlete (good, not great) who is long, mobile, and will keep getting stronger. In the NBA, I think Castle is going to be switchable and I expect him to guard multiple positions in the future (definitely 1-3). The improvement points you mentioned are true. Not only is his shot inconsistent, but sometimes he can be an unwilling shooter. Ever since high school, I've felt that Castle can really keep growing as a three-point shooter. I pointed this out in my pre-season video about the Best Guards in the 2024 Draft, and I also said that he was kind of caught between being a guard and a wing. Right now, I definitely see Castle as much more of a wing. It's true that he played with other ballhandlers at UConn - Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer - as a freshman, but still. I'll need to see a lot more before I believe Castle can truly be a guard.

[@GhostOfBillCooper]

Stephon Castle is my favorite player in the draft. Really hope the Spurs draft him.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Castle is a fun watch. I mentioned this in my Donovan Clingan video that I uploaded earlier this week, but I like Castle in San Antonio because they could definitely use another ballhandler. The wing size and length would be a nice added bonus, too. Only thing that might concern me is a lack of shooters.

[@justinbires6283]

Love Castle but not with the Spurs unless they get the Raptors pick and can pick another player with a better system fit. Reason number one is… Jeremy Sochan has alot of these traits but at a more valuable size and significantly higher def upside imo there’s some danger in having too many do it all players with shaky jumpers. Now if our first pick is Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard or Zacch Ris then I feel better with the riskier upside pick of castle. Realistically it’ll take 2-3 years to have a NBA threat of a Jumper

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

I agree. The Spurs need a real point guard. Possibly Topic or Dillingham are better options for them than Castle.

[@robertball147]

I'm sold on Castle as a development project but not in the Spurs Organization. His lack of outside shooting wouldn't help the Spurs spacing problems. If the Spurs draft a PG, it needs to be someone who will be an upgrade for them at that position almost immediately.

[@GhostOfBillCooper]

@@robertball147 I understand that's a popular take right now. That the spurs need to draft a 3 point shooter. I would disagree. I think they need a defensive stopper that can play 1-3. With Castle, Sochan and Wemby the Spurs would become one of the best defensive teams in a year or two. I wouldn't worry about Castle's 3 point shot, it looks very fixable. I also think Castle could be impactful quickly as his skills and play style fit the Spur style well and his basket ball IQ is very high.

[@jerryschen]

Stephon Castle is gonna be an NBA superstar. I would say Jimmy Butler level. He’s gonna be the core of whatever team drafts him.

[@KwameFadhiliWilliams]

That's who I compare him too, same intangibles.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Yep, I touched on that Butler comp in the video. I also liken Castle to other recent draft prospects like Anthony Black or Dyson Daniels.

[@ZeroSilence8]

Closer to Norman Powell level imo. Two things that’ll plague him the most at the NBA level are; inability to consistently take and make three-point shots, and his footwork. I see a ton of potential in him and project he’ll have a lengthy NBA career but unless he drastically improves the two areas I pointed out then he won’t reach Jimmy level.

[@WxrldwideX]

I agree, the kid is a natural talent….

[@Mr.Nyashty]

He has to go to the right team like the heat maybe a draft day trade with Detroit can do it ?

[@gangawerks]

i like the timing of this vid!...i'm watching it now-during the half of today's game. He's having a nice game so far...2/4 from 3.

[@FloorandCeiling]

He had a really good game yesterday. I'm sure every NBA team was watching. Really, it was just sort of building on the upwards trajectory Castle has been on over the second half of his freshman season.

[@whatthe456]

I’ll admit I’m growing on this player’s game as far as fit for the hornets. Initially his shot worried me, but I love players who don’t settle and play both ways. Hope he ends up great wherever though.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Yeah, I gotta say that Castle is a player who also ended up growing on me. His game isn't that aesthetically pleasing to watch, but he sort of ends up being everywhere on the floor and making a real impact on both sides. When their time to pick a player in the draft comes, I think the Hornets should prioritize the best one available regardless of position. If they get Castle, then there's a fit next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

[@begonacachero5910]

Great analysis!!

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thanks!

[@rep227]

I like how he plays, moving inside the arc off-ball, despite not being a bigman. Still he seems risky at this point as he is too raw. It's possible he won't shine in the team he gets drafted but show what he is capable of in his 2nd contract. He is not one and done type of player, but this years draft is considered weak, so it makes sense for him to try.

[@FloorandCeiling]

He's a little bit raw when it comes to scoring, but he's still effective and influential on the game on both ends. I trust Castle's somewhat unconventional athleticism to translate through his cutting, rebounding, transition playmaking, etc. Then, there's just about enough of a base for me to buy his jumper. Top 10 for me right now, if not higher.

[@rep227]

@@FloorandCeiling Sounds like Jimmy Butler like others stated.

[@JonathanVegaa]

Hopefully he lands in Miami their shooting coaches are top notch and what better way to be a Jimmy butler esq player than by playing with him

[@FloorandCeiling]

Would be cool to see Castle with Jimmy, but I have a feeling he'll be off the board by Miami's projected pick.

[@embracedsilence9926]

We'll have to hold all the teams before us at gun point to get him at 15 when some people think he's got the highest upside in the draft. Dillingham is almost certainly also gone by 15. We can try for Collier but imo we should draft a big to help out Bam, even assuming Jovic makes a jump like I hope he will.

[@SouthernFryd]

I don't know how this guy is so high in the draft. Maybe his agent is greasing palms? I just don't see him, at this point, doing anything at the NBA level. He should have at least had a shot down by now. Doen't have to be a 3 point, but some sort of shot. Guards need to be able to shoot these days, not just a drive. And prospects should have one ready to go...not ready to develop one. Ready to go.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thanks for watching! I completely agree that guards need to be able to shoot in today’s league. It’s why I’m lower on Nikola Topic than the consensus, for instance. But focusing back on Castle, I see him as more of a wing than a guard right now. He’s in that Dyson Daniels or Anthony Black mold, guys who have limitations but are connectors, defensive playmakers, and were lotto picks in stronger drafts.

[@markobedgozon]

Reminds me of a young Dejounte Murray, guard who cant shoot but plays great defense

[@cheeto8960]

Dejounte had great speed and acceleration

[@FloorandCeiling]

The shooting is similar, but I think Dejounte was a much more explosive athlete then than Castle is now.

[@area11_t36]

he would be great for the wizards to build with, he didn’t get to play on ball as much so he didn’t get to really showcase what he can do on offense but he’ll be a problem once his shot comes around

[@FloorandCeiling]

I think a best case scenario for Castle in the NBA almost involves him seeing a Scottie Barnes-like growth with his on-ball reps.

[@CarloBarlo69]

He’s going to struggle a ton his rookie year offensively. But he’ll see good minutes by end of season because of his defense and his sheer competitiveness and will to win

[@FloorandCeiling]

Agreed that the offense is going to be a steep learning curve for Castle once he's in the league. He'll have issues, especially if he continues to be as hesitant shooting from three. I think Anthony Black's current rookie year is going to be a good north star for Castle's. Thanks for watching!

[@bbwlc]

If you are 6'6...you need to be able to shoot by the time you enter the draft. I don't like that about a potential lottery pick. MKG part 2?

[@FloorandCeiling]

In terms of guys in today’s game, I see him like as a Dyson Daniels sort of player. The shooting is understandably a concern, although I think he’ll be able to offset that with everything else that he has (motor, athleticism, decision making, consistency) while it develops to an extent. Thanks for watching!

[@pierceliu9914]

Plays a lot like a mini Jimmy Butler

[@FloorandCeiling]

Yeah, I definitely see it too. From more recent draft picks, Castle also reminds me of Anthony Black or Dyson Daniels.

[@robertomaldonado2723]

Nice scouting report! Are you going to do a video of your draft board rankings?

[@FloorandCeiling]

I'll have a mock draft/big board closer to draft time. Stay tuned!

[@robertball147]

When will you be posting an update to your big draft board? Thanks as always for your insights and analysis.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I’ll have one a few weeks before the draft - stay tuned!

[@schwanhumes323]

reminds me of killian hayes just bigger and more physical so his utility type role can be elite; but his lack of shooting will impact his overall ballhandling and playmaking long term....that shooting has to make some maintainable success halfway through year two and into year three...lots of versatility but vs consistently better athletes his cardio gonna have to be flames to make up the diff

[@FloorandCeiling]

Yeah, versatility is the name of the game in many ways for Stephon Castle. He reminds me more of recent big guard prospects like Anthony Black or Dyson Daniels, who had the ball in their hands more in college than Castle has at UConn, but who have had to play off-ball more in the NBA so far. Like you said, the shot has to keep improving. He can overcome that for now with his off-ball movement, play in transition, etc. but that becomes much tougher in the NBA.

[@maybetomorrow8507]

Scouts, fans & GMs seem to like these non-shooting wings/guards more than I do. Closer to a mature version of Troy Brown Jr than Jimmy Butler

[@FloorandCeiling]

I don't think Brown really showed the same level of feel at any point.

[@JohnDoe-fi2ot]

look, the thing with Castle, he has such a great feel for the game and has all the basic tools, that he only has to focus on his shot coming in the NBA. That is so huge. I kinda compare him to Paolo Banchero in that aspect. Paolo had all the basic tools and only needed to focus on his 3 point shot, which he did. Castle will be great, from very early on..

[@FloorandCeiling]

I hear you but Paolo was more of a versatile scorer, especially from the midrange. He was also significantly bigger and, at that size, had a more impressive handle compared to Castle's. If I had to compare Castle to a Paolo-sized prospect, it might be Scottie Barnes. Otherwise, I see many similarities to Anthony Black or Dyson Daniels.

[@scottmuir6127]

I think he will be like Anthony Black or Kris Dunn as lacking consistency at the 3 point line. He’s in the 12 to 15 range on my draft board.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Castle and Anthony Black definitely share a lot of parallels. Right now, I have Castle a bit higher on my big board (#5-10), but his range will probably go up to the positions you mentioned. Thanks for watching!

[@hubrisalt3261]

Castle has probably been the biggest riser in my eyes lack of shooting is rough but it’s the easiest sill to grow I think of him as an early Lonzo ball

[@FloorandCeiling]

He's definitely in that mold of a big guard who can also play as more of a wing (he's more of a wing than Lonzo imo), make connective passes, execute quick decisions, hopefully take spot-up threes, and be a menace in the open court. Thing is, Castle will eventually need to develop some more reliable half-court scoring. Right now, he's essentially a non-threat as a pull-up shooter (especially from deep), and he's also not overly athletic or strong yet to be going wild in the paint.

[@hubrisalt3261]

@@FloorandCeiling definitely thats why I still have a problem putting him as a top 5 prospect but he’s got all the tools to be great

[@edgames7475]

Evan Tuner 2.0

[@FloorandCeiling]

I can see it, although hopefully Castle develops much more of a three-pointer than Turner. That ended hindering him in the later stages of his career.

[@JohnDoe-fi2ot]

could you do McCain?

[@FloorandCeiling]

I'll have a video on Jared if he declares for the draft.

[@Demii3x]

Wizard better get this guy🤦🏾

[@FloorandCeiling]

What makes you want him instead of a big?

[@Demii3x]

@@FloorandCeiling well I don’t think we’re landing the number one pick so Sarr will be gone. Next best option to turn this franchise around is a guy like Castle. His floor is still an elite defender. He’s turning 20 and if he can shoot the ball more he’s a legit superstar in the making. Plus he’s not like the Jalen green and scoot Henderson guard when they were being scouted was just hype and highlight reel. He understands the game and well more polished than those other two guys when they was coming into the league.

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

Wizards need a big man.

[@Demii3x]

@@alvaromartinez-cachero1231 they need a little of everything and especially PG

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

In reality the Wizards desperately need point guards and big men. It's not easy to say they need more.

[@mbwell]

8:23 Bingo. What the heck is a lottery level team actually getting? 11 points while shooting 25% from 3, is that worthy of a top 14 pick nowadays?

[@FloorandCeiling]

In the last 4 years, these guard/wing prospects have been lottery picks shooting 25% or below from three: LaMelo Ball, Killian Hayes (in league play), Jonathan Kuminga. 30% or below: Anthony Edwards, Isaac Okoro, Killian Hayes (total season), Scottie Barnes, Josh Giddey, Ziaire Williams, Dyson Daniels, Jeremy Sochan, Ousmane Dieng, Scoot Henderson (G League regular season), Anthony Black, Ausar and Amen Thompson.

[@mbwell]

@@FloorandCeiling I forgot about Edwards. He is soooo unique because of his durability and pure athleticism. If only my Pistons can find that guy. Ausar solid, but Hayes was a complete mess.

[@mbwell]

Needs more college development, IMO.

[@kylepatillo5071]

He should leave now while his stock is high

[@mbwell]

@@kylepatillo5071 - To avoid a potential four to five year development process in the league, it would be wise to do that in college. Statistical analytics has shown the “One-and-Done” concept has been an epic failure. This kid should collect his NIL funds, craft his skills, while competing in high stakes tournaments at the college levels. That’s the proven formula. Not everyone can take quick fixes and short cuts. Years ago, we assumed that everybody wearing a Mickey D’s All-American jersey was automatically ready for the next-level. But that assumption has been proven to be incorrect. The bottomline is, do you want to take the James Wisemen approach or the Hakeem Olajuwon path?

[@FloorandCeiling]

@@kylepatillo5071 Agreed. He'll be a lottery pick at minimum imo in this year's draft. I'd expect him to go higher, honestly.

[@CarloBarlo69]

I think he’s 6’5 tho

[@FloorandCeiling]

UConn has Castle listed at 6-6, but we'll see if he opts to get measured at the draft combine. We know colleges can be a bit deceptive with those.

[@licenciadobrubaker]

6'4.5" without shoes (Draft combine).

[@CarloBarlo69]

@@licenciadobrubaker 6 5’5 I thought. That’s pretty good

[@JunDetera2016]

bust too slow for a guard SARR/RISACHIER is the real deal PERIOD

[@FloorandCeiling]

Like I say in the video (and I've been saying this since before the season started really), I consider Castle to be much more of a connective wing rather than a guard.

[@fernandomartinez8932]

I don’t see him ever becoming any good. An average NBA player at best. Looks small out there, 6’6 my ass. 6’5 with shoes at best. Not great length, not great athleticism or strength. Bad shooter for now. Has a chance only if he can play point guard in the NBA, but I’m not sure he has got the handles to play point. Everyone compares him with Jimmy Butler, but I think Nic Smith Jr a closer comparison.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Nick Smith Jr. was/is a much better shooter.

[@VanIyke]

Ben Simmons 2.0

[@FloorandCeiling]

I see some similarities with their limitations, defense, and how they score, but at the same time, Simmons was much bigger and more athletic. I also think he was a considerably better passer and defender. At one point, he had a case for being the best/most versatile defender in NBA even if he never really put in a huge amount of effort in college. It's easy to forget now, but Simmons was a 3x all-star in the NBA, a 2x all-defense first team player, and part of the all-NBA third team. On top of that, he was also vital in reinvigorating the Sixers (even though he also played a part in not getting them over the final hump). If Castle can do any of those things in the NBA, then he'd be a massive homerun.

[@mbwell]

Exactly. I don’t get it.

[@VanIyke]

@@FloorandCeiling you made good points there. But here's the problem, had he been drafted as a defensive player then no one would have a problem with that. But the truth is, when he was picked #1 it wasn't so that he'd be a Draymond Greene. No. He was heralded as -- in Steven A Smith's words: " a Lebron James without a jumpshot." The presumption was that he'd develop a jumpshot. Scratch that. The presumption was once he became a three level scorer it was game over for the league. Mind you he was drafted a class or 2 before Lonzo Ball. I mentioned this because Ball is a Simmons prototype: Elite court vision, defensive acumen but a funky shooting style. Now while Simmons was sulking & pouting at people criticizing him over his inability to score both from 3 and midrange, Lonzo quietly went into the lab and refined his shooting and became a three level scorer before injury. Simmons on the other hand still plays the same type of game he's been playing since he was drafted. Then he'll put out dumb summer videos of him doing catch and shoot 3s but then come game day he's scared to do it. To the point when he finally made his one and only 3, Embiid burst out laughing as if a miracle had happened. And he's yet to make another 3 since.

[@Veggamattic]

I'm not seeing enough unique skill to make him anything but average at the NBA level.

[@FloorandCeiling]

What do you think he needs?

[@Veggamattic]

@@FloorandCeiling He isn't quick enough to stand out in the NBA and is not a great playmaker. I think he is a 2 guard. I think the defensive speed in the NBA might make it hard for him to be effective in isolation. If he could really shoot it might be different but that isn't a strength either. I like that he can guard a few positions and rebounding always translates to the NBA but I don't see enough at his age yet to think he will be impactful yet. I don't see Jimmy Butler. Butler's mental strength is what makes him great and Castle doesn't have that yet and maybe won't have it.