San Antonio, TX — Spurs guard Stephon Castle said he deliberately skipped a private workout with Houston in 2024 to improve his chances of sliding to San Antonio at No. 4 overall.
The 20-year-old told The Athletic he considered the opportunity to play alongside center Victor Wembanyama an ideal scenario, especially on the defensive end. By bypassing the Rockets — who owned the third pick and already had veteran point guard Fred VanVleet — Castle cleared a path for Houston to choose Reed Sheppard, leaving him available for the Spurs. The move paid off: Castle captured Rookie of the Year honors and helped a youthful roster reach the NBA Finals.
Spurs Schedule Workout With Zuby Ejiofor
Forward Zuby Ejiofor of St. John’s will visit San Antonio for a pre-draft workout on Thursday, according to reporter Adam Zagoria. The 6-foot-9 prospect is projected in the same range as the Spurs’ No. 20 pick in this month’s draft.
Grizzlies’ Draft Outlook
Memphis is widely expected to select Cameron Boozer with the third overall choice, but attention is also turning to pick No. 16. The Commercial Appeal reports the team is evaluating guards Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), Labaron Philon (Alabama), Bennett Stirtz (Iowa) and Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) as possible long-term successors to star point guard Ja Morant.
Pelicans Bolster Medical and Scouting Departments
In New Orleans, the Pelicans appointed David Cosgrave as vice president of health and performance and named Joe Sharpe head athletic trainer. Executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars praised the hires, saying they bring “professionalism and experience” to the franchise’s medical and performance program.
Former Syracuse guard Scoop Jardine announced on Instagram that he is joining the Pelicans as global director of scouting after stints in the G League, Canada and high school coaching.
Source: Hoops Rumors
