Loved seeing Castleton out there in garbage time (basically all of the fourth). He’s a good kid and I hope we keep him. He can play.
Colin is ready now to play minutes off the bench if needed. He’ll keep getting better and has already added a little mass up top. With those legs he’s got a great base like Zubac. They’re both in the same weight class around 240. He’s starting to get his timing and playing with a little more abandon and confidence. And best of all to me tonight he showed he has the ability to get up in the air …. that swatted block late in the 4th was impressive. I’ve got a freeze frame I’ll put up tomorrow.
same feeling, hayes is only in nba due to height n athleticism, doesnt seem to understand where to be
Well about that jumping: https://www.gatorcountry.com/florida-gators-basketball/colin-castleton-and-alex-fudge-participate-in-g-league-elite-camp/#:~:text=His max vertical leap of,potential at the highest level. "To start the G League Elite Camp was measurements–an important step in any pre-draft combine. Colin Castleton measured at an impressive 6’10.5” without shoes, also measuring with a 7’3.5” wingspan that jumps off the page. (Zubac's is 7'4" for reference) Considering that Castleton will be looking to carve out a role as a rim protecting anchor, these measurements helped him out considerably." "Castleton didn’t shine quite as brightly in the agility and speed testing which will come as a bit of a disappointment as he would have liked to have proved through these tests that he’s someone that could hang with smaller players on the perimeter. His max vertical leap of 34.5” did jump off the page as when you factor in his incredible length and one of the better leaps from a center you can see huge shot blocking potential at the highest level." (I searched a bunch but couldn't find Zu's vertical jump anywhere) "Colin Castleton, whose shooting never materialized at the college level, performed well when it came to shooting. His 15/25 spot up shooting, 19/30 off the dribble shooting, 10/10 free throws, and 14/25 in the 3-point star drill were some of the best numbers for any center present and it might be something that makes a front office believe he could develop into the shooter." And check the arms, remembering he is only 23 years old and they already look bigger after Lakers weight room vs coming out of college, I think. Possibly ..... in a similar type of comparison to how much we were pissed losing AC from the Lakers but the pain has now diminished fortunately because AR is an all around better player, we may have the same type of situation here with having lost Zu but now having a more complete, and considerably more skilled center in Colin going forward.
zu's pretty skilled, imo. not a distance shooter, but great touch around the basket/in the paint. and now you reminded me about that trade!
oh, i mean even at 20 years old, zu had some skills. good hands, good fundamentals. castleton has them, too. just not as big/bulky.
Sure. But they have “similar” base and back pocket mass with Colin a bit lighter there presently, Zu has never dribbled the ball like Colin handles it already when he brings it up the floor and …. shout out to @Toklat …. I think I spotted where he was coming from …. if you squint you can see a “little” similarity to Marc Gasol in the way he holds the ball up high while surveying the offense for the best next pass.
It still pains me we traded Zu especially since he is just what we have been needing. IMO Colin is even more skilled and over the next couple seasons will develop his long range shot. Couple that with the handles you mentioned and we have got something. Colin may never be as good as Marc but anywhere close were golden, plus far be from me to try and put limitations on him. He works hard so where he gets to is up to him. Jarring screens, passing, dribbling, rebounding, bb iq. A couple years of adding strength and shot development. Look out. All these naysayers be eating it again...lol.
Shout out to the late great Chick Hearn …. Colin is becoming a regular Leaping Lena. More blocks using all of his 34.5” and pics to come. He’s going to be a better version of the Zublocka we lost like AR is a better version of the Eagle we lost. Duo miracles …. can I get an AMEN for Rob? Thanks for the referral Kobe.
Colin played well again and the best of his screens are jaringly solid for the guy running into them. The coast to coast was fun and he continues to look for passes first but has a nice touch in the key.
Another incredible find for us. The skills he has for size are rare. You are right those screens LT, they are solid.
