UConn in the NBA Oct 2025

[HW611]

Whats idiotic is reducing your chancing of winning now when you can win now. The players you develop might not stick around anyway. The Spurs know that - after the Duncan-Parker-Ginobili core broke up, they didn’t keep Kawhi and they have now had 7 straight losing seasons. They’d probably still be wallowing without much of a future - but they picked the right year to win the lottery (again). Otherwise they might be on a path of a decade or more of losing.

If you’re trying to win, it doesn’t mean you don’t develop - it’s not like an either/or proposition. You are always doing both. But you’re not going to be as patient when you have short term aspirations. That’s just the way these things work. If they knew for sure Wemby was going to be healthy - and a Spur for the next 15 years - sure, maybe they’d slowly build a core around him. But they have no way of knowing that. He could get hurt, but his contract will definitely need to be renewed someday - New York City has a lot of French people, and the street signs in New Orleans are even written in French.

Of course we are also only 3 games in, and it may still work out that San Antonio isn't actually that good this year - and then they might think more long term. Maybe even trade Fox and build with youth for next year and beyond. Then the dynamic changes. But if Wemby plays like this, and they get even better with Fox (and Sochan) back, why wait? They are not going to risk a playoff exit in the Wemby Window because some of the other players might get better someday from the adversity of losing close games. They’ll put the ball in the hands of the players they trust now and take their chances on winning now.

Castle will have always have some sort of role - he can clearly be outstanding in the secondary playmaker off the ball/defensive stopper role that he had for us, if that’s how the chips fall. But I think all of us would like him to be closer to the Robin to Wemby’s Batman, and be more of a future cornerstone player for the Spurs than just a piece. If Fox-Harper becomes the depth chart at the 1, and he’s exclusively a 2/3, that path will probably take longer.

You mean after that core that stayed together for 15 years? I’m not sure if you followed Wemby much, but he’s been pretty open about how the Spurs was his dream organization. Given their own international brand, especially for France (Tony Parker, Boris Diaw).

He pretty much fits the mold of a Spurs lifer down to spending a summer with Monks. Slim chance he’s leaving Pop. Nor the Spurs moving like it because that’s just not the Spurs way.

The Spurs Way: Timeless Leadership Lessons from Coach Popovich

Whether you're managing a team, running an organization, or simply guiding others in daily life, the lessons from Coach Popovich serve as enduring principles for effective and meaningful leadership.

www.thedaily.coach

2. Commitment to Continuous Development
The “Spurs Way” is all about player development. Making players better. Improving everyone. That’s a cornerstone principle. From the mailroom to the court, everyone is expected to grow in their roles. Nothing can stay the same.
The Spurs were often given low grades for their drafting. But once player development took over, those same players far exceeded the expectations of the draft experts.
Popovich had a remarkable ability to identify talent and develop it to its fullest potential. He transformed late-round draft picks into NBA stars and revitalized the careers of overlooked players. His focus on skill development and growth showed in how he worked with players like Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and Kawhi Leonard—helping them evolve into leaders themselves.
For leaders, this underscores the importance of investing in people, recognizing potential, and setting real benchmarks for growth. Remember: teaching and sharing knowledge is one of the greatest gifts a leader can give.

 

[superjohn]

Development is fine and dandy for a team with limited aspirations. But my point is that we are watching the Spurs leap to contender status in real time - with a unicorn who a) may or may not always be healthy and b) will be the highest sought free agent in the history of the world if he ever chooses to go that route.

The Spurs are not going to be patient with player development in this window. They are going to try to win. They will clearly make trades to win now and shore up weaknesses. Castle is versatile enough that he’ll always have a role in SA - as long as he’s not in a trade package - but if he has hopes of being a lead guard in this Wemby window, he needs to look the part. He hasn’t yet. And Harper kinda sorta did today.

Sure he’s in his second year and that’s a lot of pressure to put on someone in a new role. But you know what else has pressure? The playoffs.

We didn’t turn the keys over to Castle two years ago because we had Newton and we had high aspirations. The Spurs have Fox and high aspirations. Stakes are high and his decision making will have to be way better.

Castle is untradeable for the Spurs. Fox most likely won't be there very long.

 

[aceboon]

I'm gonna jinx him by posting this but DC looks very comfortable from 3 to start the year so far

 

[REB1094]

Yesterday Castle had 13 points on 50%, 6 rebounds, 3 assists. But 5 turnovers

Liam had 6 minutes, scoreless on 0-2 shooting

AJax had 5 minutes, no stats other than a steal

Clingan 9 points on 50% (hit another three), 10 rebounds, 3 assists

 

[caw]

Yesterday Castle had 13 points on 50%, 6 rebounds, 3 assists. But 5 turnovers

Liam had 6 minutes, scoreless on 0-2 shooting

AJax had 5 minutes, no stats other than a steal

Clingan 9 points on 50% (hit another three), 10 rebounds, 3 assists

Liam had two assists I believe.

 

[NJHusky]

Yesterday Castle had 13 points on 50%, 6 rebounds, 3 assists. But 5 turnovers

Liam had 6 minutes, scoreless on 0-2 shooting

AJax had 5 minutes, no stats other than a steal

Clingan 9 points on 50% (hit another three), 10 rebounds, 3 assists

Steph having 5 TO is a step in the right direction. 1/2 of a prior game

 

[HW611]

Yesterday Castle had 13 points on 50%, 6 rebounds, 3 assists. But 5 turnovers

Liam had 6 minutes, scoreless on 0-2 shooting

AJax had 5 minutes, no stats other than a steal

Clingan 9 points on 50% (hit another three), 10 rebounds, 3 assists

Here I go, but I loathe Clingan wanting to have a 3 point shot before developing any other facet of his offensive game.

I don’t know any big in the NBA who just shoots 3s and dunks. Right now he doesn’t have much post up in between game to became any sort of great scorer on that end.

If I’m a team, I’d much rather have him out there shooting 3s he may make 30% of the time than at the rim getting easy lobs. He’s skipping steps.

This tweet is dumb because why are they acting like him being a vertical lob threat at the rim wouldn’t also give him space. The Amazon guys were just talking about the impact of a vertical lob threat.

So happy NBC and Amazon have real athlete analysts to talk about the game now. ESPN and TNT failed the audience for years.

 

[REB1094]

Here I go, but I loathe Clingan wanting to have a 3 point shot before developing any other facet of his offensive game.

I don’t know any big in the NBA who just shoots 3s and dunks. Right now he doesn’t have much post up in between game to became any sort of great scorer on that end.

If I’m a team, I’d much rather have him out there shooting 3s he may make 30% of the time than at the rim getting easy lobs. He’s skipping steps.

This tweet is dumb because why are they acting like him being a vertical lob threat at the rim wouldn’t also give him space. The Amazon guys were just talking about the impact of a vertical lob threat.

So happy NBC and Amazon have real athlete analysts to talk about the game now. ESPN and TNT failed the audience for years.

Small sample size but he’s shot it well so far - 44% on 3 attempts per game. But yeah, his main offensive priority should be footwork around the rim

He had 6 offensive rebounds yesterday and only three 2 point attempts. He‘ll be a much bigger offensive weapon if he just grabs the ball at the rim and scores

 

[Samoo]

Here I go, but I loathe Clingan wanting to have a 3 point shot before developing any other facet of his offensive game.

I don’t know any big in the NBA who just shoots 3s and dunks. Right now he doesn’t have much post up in between game to became any sort of great scorer on that end.

If I’m a team, I’d much rather have him out there shooting 3s he may make 30% of the time than at the rim getting easy lobs. He’s skipping steps.

This tweet is dumb because why are they acting like him being a vertical lob threat at the rim wouldn’t also give him space. The Amazon guys were just talking about the impact of a vertical lob threat.

So happy NBC and Amazon have real athlete analysts to talk about the game now. ESPN and TNT failed the audience for years.

Have you let Tiago know yet?

 

[HW611]

Small sample size but he’s shot it well so far - 44% on 3 attempts per game. But yeah, his main offensive priority should be footwork around the rim

He had 6 offensive rebounds yesterday and only three 2 point attempts. He‘ll be a much bigger offensive weapon if he just grabs the ball at the rim and scores

Yeah it just annoys me to see a guy so talented wanting to prove he can shoot 3s before he can shoot a jump hook. Hurley did the right thing by making him focus on what he did here.

 

[auror]

He's in the game for his defense, so minimizing his negative impact on offense is the first priority of development. Vertical spacing is good, but if he can shoot also then he's spacing no matter where he is on the court.

He's got plenty of time to develop the rest of his offense as he's getting on court reps, and to do that he has to reach the threshold of "playable" first. Seems like he's there.

 

[HW611]

He's in the game for his defense, so minimizing his negative impact on offense is the first priority of development. Vertical spacing is good, but if he can shoot also then he's spacing no matter where he is on the court.

He's got plenty of time to develop the rest of his offense as he's getting on court reps, and to do that he has to reach the threshold of "playable" first. Seems like he's there.

I don’t think shooting 3s is what’s making him playable.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

I don’t think shooting 3s is what’s making him playable.

I don’t think taking hook shots makes him more playable. Brook Lopez extended his career by becoming a shooter, DC doing this early is only going to help him.

 

[caw]

Here I go, but I loathe Clingan wanting to have a 3 point shot before developing any other facet of his offensive game.

I don’t know any big in the NBA who just shoots 3s and dunks. Right now he doesn’t have much post up in between game to became any sort of great scorer on that end.

If I’m a team, I’d much rather have him out there shooting 3s he may make 30% of the time than at the rim getting easy lobs. He’s skipping steps.

This tweet is dumb because why are they acting like him being a vertical lob threat at the rim wouldn’t also give him space. The Amazon guys were just talking about the impact of a vertical lob threat.

So happy NBC and Amazon have real athlete analysts to talk about the game now. ESPN and TNT failed the audience for years.

Currently that is basically Brook Lopez (37) who mostly just shoots threes and occasionally dunks. Only know that from watching the Clipper/Blazers game yesterday.

I do agree though with your assessment. On the plus side his FT shooting looks much better so far. That is much more important than a post game for him right now.

 

[AZHuskiePop]

And he’s perfect for the spurs. His post game interviews are more polished tha. I would expect someone his age - perhaps a little boring, but he does his thing on the court, and is a zero press liability in terms of creating drama or getting in trouble. So glad he went to the right organization.

He was just a great kid , Seldom does such a high recruit come in whose humble enough to just subordinates his game to a team concept as there were so many options on that team he instinctively knew that was necessary for the team success . Winning is truly the key stat in sport. When you think about that team didn’t really feature anyone
But anyone could be featured.

 

[auror]

I don’t think shooting 3s is what’s making him playable.

"Playable" (in quotes) in this case meant providing enough value to not have his other areas of offense drag his defense down making him an overall net negative player. Become a positive contributor first, then improve the other areas of your game to become a star/higher usage player.

 

[Edward Sargent]

DC is also a good passing bigman. If he keeps it up at a good pace they will need to cover him outside which should help with passing lanes

 

[HW611]

I don’t think taking hook shots makes him more playable. Brook Lopez extended his career by becoming a shooter, DC doing this early is only going to help him.

Brook Lopez became the Nets all-time leading scorer by having a high level post game. Then yeah, after already having that mastered he developed a 3 point shot. It added to his game. He didn’t skip steps.

"Playable" (in quotes) in this case meant providing enough value to not have his other areas of offense drag his defense down making him an overall net negative player. Become a positive contributor first, then improve the other areas of your game to become a star/higher usage player.

You’re saying a 3 point shot is needed for him to be a net positive player and playable (I think?)

I’m saying him standing by the rim and dunking like a Gobert, Jarrett Allen, Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler says that it is not. He already passes at a level better than all of those guys. A 3 point shot isn’t making or breaking him being a positive contributor. And it’s not the first thing that is needed to become a star player. It’s probably the last thing.

 

[Palatine]

SC is averaging 30 minutes a game. And all three games have been victories. The last thing anyone on this board needs to worry about is Steph Castle.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Brook Lopez became the Nets all-time leading scorer by having a high level post game. Then yeah, after already having that mastered he developed a 3 point shot. It added to his game. He didn’t skip steps.

You’re saying a 3 point shot is needed for him to be a net positive player and playable (I think?)

I’m saying him standing by the rim and dunking like a Gobert, Jarrett Allen, Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler says that it is not. He already passes at a level better than all of those guys. A 3 point shot isn’t making or breaking him being a positive contributor. And it’s not the first thing that is needed to become a star player. It’s probably the last thing.

I think you try too hard to prove a point that doesn’t really need to be proven. None of those guys are masterful around the rim and DC can already dunk fine just like them. Gobert has never developed any type of offensive game and he gives virtually nothing there. DC spreading the court puts his floor above Gobert, Claxton, guys like that.

You’re acting like he’s abandoning the post. It’s very hyperbolic. He’s already not much of an offensive outlet, having him threat from the perimeter helps his numbers along with the team with spacing. In case you haven’t noticed, 3s are the king of the game right now. He has strengths and weaknesses. The Blazers obviously know he is no post savant, and they seem to think having him as a threat from the perimeter best helps their team to win. It’s fine if you don’t like it, it’s just not the way things go.

 

[Matrim55]

You’re acting like he’s abandoning the post. It’s very hyperbolic. He’s already not much of an offensive outlet, having him threat from the perimeter helps his numbers along with the team with spacing.

Two other points here:

1. He's an excellent passer from the top of the key, which was something the new Blazers coach (Splitter) was also known for. Watch as they incorporate fake hand-offs and back cuts, which is something we did a lot two years ago. DC was great at finding those cutters.
2. By having him spaced to the top of the key he's always in great position to drop back and prevent any run-outs, which means Portland will have an elite transition defense.

Bottom line is that this is going to make him a better overall player and Portland a better overall team.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Two other points here:

1. He's an excellent passer from the top of the key, which was something the new Blazers coach (Splitter) was also known for. Watch as they incorporate fake hand-offs and back cuts, which is something we did a lot two years ago. DC was great at finding those cutters.
2. By having him spaced to the top of the key he's always in great position to drop back and prevent any run-outs, which means Portland will have an elite transition defense.

Bottom line is that this is going to make him a better overall player and Portland a better overall team.

Yup, and he is still setting a million screens and rolling to the rim. It’s evident that the Blazers aren’t super focused on finding him in the post. It makes sense, and expanding his game other ways also makes sense.

 

[HW611]

Duren is out here putting up 24 and 18 with a shot chart like this:

While we think it’s a good thing if our guy models his game around a past his prime Brook Lopez lol

 

[superjohn]

Duren is out here putting up 24 and 18 with a shot chart like this:
View attachment 112717

While we think it’s a good thing if our guy models his game around a past his prime Brook Lopez lol

Completely different game and completely different supporting cast.

You don't know more than all these coaches, I promise you.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Duren is out here putting up 24 and 18 with a shot chart like this:
View attachment 112717

While we think it’s a good thing if our guy models his game around a past his prime Brook Lopez lol

You have this air of “I’m smarter than everyone” when you’re simply not. Duren and DC are nothing alike.

We can compare dissimilar players all day. That Wemby guy is great, right? That Jokic fella has a sick perimeter game too!