Mike Miller
11.9 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 40.7 3pt%, 45.7 2pt%, 108/105 ORtg/DRtg
Stephon Castle
14.7ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.1 apg, 28.5 3pt%, 50.1 2pt%, 106/119 ORtg/DRtg
Miller's the closest analogy I think of in terms of a relative down year for ROY participants, but if Castle has a similar trajectory in terms of growth in his first 3 years, he'll be in good shape. Miller was good enough in year 3 to catch the eye of Jerry West, who traded for him as the GM of Memphis that year. Both were 20 during their ROY seasons. Miller's career was permanently changed by back injuries, but he was on the path to being a solid player who then transitioned out of necessity to being a solid role player-- something a healthy Castle won't have to do.
I know his defense dropped off after Victor went out, but I thought he had some decent defensive games before then. One game against Curry comes to mind. I'm just a little surprised by the numbers where Raven said he was only ahead of Maliki in defensive rating. There's no way he was that bad.
Castle's defense fell off when they were no longer trying to win games? That's crazy.
On his podcast a week or two ago Vecenie was talking about how Castle is drawing statistically extremely difficult defensive matchups every night. Kid has the physical tools to be an elite defender and seems to have the awareness to be one too so I'm expecting he will get there with experience. Wasn't expecting DPOY level performance as a rook since he's not Victor but I'll be surprised if he isn't a high end defender by Year 3.
That's more of what I was thinking. He's played some good defense at times this season. He hasn't been super consistent, but after Victor went out, it probably wasn't a huge priority. Also was thinking about him matching up on a lot of great scorers/players, so of course his numbers wouldn't be great with those assignments.
I'm really not worried about it at all as I think he will definitely be a good defender. Like you said, he's not Victor, and I also wasn't expecting DPOY level defense either in his first season.
That and the fact he was being asked to carry the offensive load
I think the relevant point being made was that Castle's various defensive ratings were poor relative to his own teammates, who were in the exact same position.
Everybody’s defense took a nose dive once Wemby was ruled out. The season was practically over and the team started playing for draft position. So I wouldn’t read too much on Castle’s bad defense of late.
How far we've come since the preseason when Zach Edey was the consensus favorite.
Bingo. As a perimeter defender, it sure helps knowing you've got a shot-blocking machine standing behind you which makes everyone look better.
I think having players come in who were good defenders in college and then fall off a cliff once they join our team is a red flag regarding to our coaching staff more than anything. They clearly teach them bad habits and schemes.
It was a blessing in disguise when Vassell/Sochan were injured and Stephon showed he could be the team’s best POA defender. And he continued to show his skills despite the Herculean effort of Mitch to sideline him. We have to give it to Stephon who really took advantage of every opportunities given to him. He really showed his confidence early that he’s one of the best in the court and that at a very young age. I created this thread 11/11 seeing that alpha at ude from our young rookie and I wasn’t mistaken. It helped that Wells went down. But I’m convinced that Castle will have the better career especially playing alongside Wemby who will just elevate his career. There is this serious disposition in him like every great player has that he’s the best out there and will not be denied.
it's funny, because he showed exactly the opposite, don't know what games were you guys watching. To be put strictly on point guards and work hard on his basics, because we have clearly seen, he has no business guarding taller guys, which is fine.
When is the announcement? It isn't even on the schedule. Hustle award? Give me a break.
Last year ROY was announced May 6.
Thank you.
Sochan guards SGA better than anyone I've seen.
Besides, it takes a ton of energy to be that inefficient on offense. Nothing left for D.
Castle had some bright spots on D (Curry game) but was rough in totality, advanced stats show that. , can easily say the same thing about him on the offensive side of the ball as well. The good news is that he passes the test athletically (great bully ball potential, wish his first step was a little better) and signs indicate that he is a hard worker. 20 year old guards typically have a very rough/inefficient rookie year but that doesn't necessarily hinder his ceiling as much as one would think. Fox, Jaylen Brown and Booker had similar rookie seasons for example, they turned out alright.
All that to say, kids gotta get better at putting the ball in the hoop from basically everywhere, he knows that. His first step would look a lot better when guys have to play him closer to contest a shot. A 3rd option (behind Wemby/Fox) who cant shoot doesn't sound enticing.
Castle will have a great summer and will show some improvement on both sides of the ball. Book it!
He had a uva season. He'll win ROY and faced some adversity. He had consistently tough defensive assignments. His mental toughness is crazy high for a rook. Can't expect more from a 4th pick on a ty team with 2 questionable coaches.
Based on the 38 public ballots Castle should landslide this
Castle: 34
Wells: 3
Risacher: 1
I doubt it's really close. IMO he cemented it over All-Star weekend.
And for the record I'm super high on Castle. I get the efficiency issues. I do think those will work their ways out. But to me he's a guy who clearly knows how to play basketball. Day one.
Castle has had a slightly better rookie campaign than Jimmy Butler did, especially as a scorer.
It took Butler until year 3 to become a full-time starter. Granted, Thibs was the coach and the Bulls were good. Like 62-20 good.
If Castle continues to improve, becoming a player of Butler's caliber is his ceiling. Who would ask for more than that?
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