Stephon Castle, what makes him special...

[ctbro1999]

He is way quicker and athletic than SGA. Stop with that BS. SGA is alright athlete but not in Castle's stratosphere. If you watch the NBA playoffs you know SGA uses strength to get by his man and not quickness. Castle has more of both strength and quickness.

Yeah, SGA doesn't have elite athleticism, above average for sure, but he's just so good at finding spaces and being able to draw contact. Definitely elite body control. Steph is a much more physically imposing player and IMO better overall athleticism.

 

[djct1999]

If Steph can improve his mid range game and 3pt efficiency, he will be an elite two way guard for a decade. Sky is the limit for this kid!

 

[Scottzer]

Over the course of NBA history, certain moves get attributed to certain players making them super popular. Think Manu eurostep, Dirk one legged fade, Jordan/Kobe turnaround fade, Harden double stepback, CP3 getting defenders on his hip, etc etc

Castle has nearly mastered the super hesi. There’s countless clips of him driving to the hoop and hesitating for a full second on his 2nd step. Leads to guys flying past him and him getting easy layups. Keep an eye out for that move gaining traction

You’re right. When you go through his highlights you hear announcers calling him the hesi-king. Now, is that move something he picked up from (and improved upon) from Cam? It seemed like Cam did a lot of hesitation moves when close to the rim. Or maybe Cam picked it up from Steph - I don’t know.

 

[ctbro1999]

You’re right. When you go through his highlights you hear announcers calling him the hesi-king. Now, is that move something he picked up from (and improved upon) from Cam? It seemed like Cam did a lot of hesitation moves when close to the rim. Or maybe Cam picked it up from Steph - I don’t know.

IIRC Steph said he really started working on the hesi move last summer after getting drafted. I think we may have seen him do it a few times while at UConn, but I guess he really didn't focus on adding it as a regular weapon in his arsenal till last summer.

 

[djct1999]

This is worth revisiting. What Steph did, what he was willing to do at UConn, for UConn was one of the more remarkable things I have seen from a UConn player. His commitment, his attitude, coupled with his parents being totally on board with all of it, is legendary. Most people today wouldn’t be as willing. He is truly a special young man and they are a special family.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I think what truly sets him apart (I've applied this reasoning to a decent number of players over the years) is that he's willing to do, and do well a lot of things that many talented players cannot be bothered with doing, and I believe that is based on maturity exceeding ego.

He's willing to prioritize defense, making the extra pass, value winning above credit. The little things that won't make highlight reels and may not get noticed by the run of the mill fan, this can separate a very good player from a great player.