The Raptors are making an addition to their coaching staff, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports and Ian Begley of ESPN.com, who both report that former Spurs staffer Jeremy Castleberry will join the club.
As Begley details, Castleberry is a close friend of new Raptor Kawhi Leonard, having played with the star forward in high school and at San Diego State. An assistant video coordinator with the Spurs, Castleberry will serve as a player development coach in Toronto, per Charania.
While it’s unlikely that the Raptors would be making the hire if they hadn’t previously acquired Leonard, Castleberry is – by all accounts – “more than qualified” for his new position, tweets Begley. According to Begley, the Spurs didn’t want to lose him from their staff.
With Leonard heading into a contract year, the Raptors figure to pull out all the stops in an effort to convince him that re-signing with the club and remaining in Toronto long-term is the right move. The addition of Castleberry will likely play at least a small part in the Raps’ season-long recruiting efforts.
Still, as has been reported since his trade request first went public earlier this year, Leonard’s preference is to eventually sign in Los Angeles, either with the Lakers or Clippers, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Kawhi should think this out real good.
Lakers- You’ll be playing under Lebron over the next 3 seasons and if he doesn’t want any Finals MVP honors or the spotlight than Lakers it is.
Clippers- Instantly face of the franchise and you are in LA but will have to carry a bigger load although the potential is through the roof considering the amount of young talent Jerry West drafted in Gilgeous-Alexander and Robinson.
Raptors- Get to play in the East and for a GM who will pull out all stops to put a contender around you. Not to mention Toronto has 2 prospects Kawhi could form a dominant defensive duo with in Siakam and OG.
Beautifully said.
You forgot the last option- anywhere he goes, he’s going to lose to Steph and KD in the finals. Truth.
If that’s how it ends, then it’s not really an option so…
Honestly dude I think you guys should check out Pascal Siakam, he has become a better passer and shooter over the summer. Also OG who will be one of the best 3 and D players over the next 8-10 years barring injury, the Raptors and this is if Kawhi suits up are the biggest dark-horse contender in the game.
They have a center in Jonás who can rebound and score at the rim and get you 15-20 points a night with solid defense at the rim. Ibaka,OG,Siakam,Green, and Kawhi are all good defenders and can defend multiple positions and Kyle although he’s over 30 is still very solid on defense also. They could push the Warriors if Kawhi actually goes 100 percent, Kawhi could definitely slow down Durant.
Yahoo has an article now from Forbes magazine saying it’s not looking good in free agency next season for the Lakers. Says Kawhi is boom or bust for Lakers. Has Butler going east, Kyrie stays with Celts, Klay and KD stay with Golden State, Kemba stays with Charlotte. Otherwise, if Kawhi doesn’t go to the Lakers, it will appear as if nobody wants to play with LeBron.
I don’t see any free-agent going to LA next off-season, maybe Jimmy Butler through trade mid season or next summer.
Well said everyone. Toronto offers a great opportunity, and as cubs fan mentioned, most likely not beating the Warriors in the next few years. Stay in Toronto though, and at least get to the NBA finals, Lakers or Clips, WCF’s at best.
Toronto just paid his best friend/ guy friend Castleberry to work on coaching staff. Nepotism never hurt, if it gets him to stay. Why Not? I seriously doubt he plays for the Lakers. Kawhi plays same position as Lebron so how would that work? Lebron plays the FOUR? Won’t happen. Kawhi doesnt want to bass guitar for Lebron when he can play lead on his choice of teams.
LeBron and Kawhi can pretty much play any position
Not only that. Do they plan to bring Kuzma and Ingram off the bench for 3 years? Don’t think so.
Toronto needs to hire Kawhi’s uncle.
That’s why they have these things called trades. If Magic and LeBron want Kawhi, it will happen somehow. Then trade one of the youngsters and a pick for Lillard and all of a sudden you have a team.
Ok! And I believe the earth is flat too. Magic has been saying he doesn’t want to break up his core. He refused to include Kuzma or Ingram in the Kawhi talks and wouldn’t include Ingram in the Paul George trade. You do realize there is no way Portland will trade Lilliard plus salaries would have to match any way. Dream on!
Magic will do his magic and get Kawhi. It will be Kawhi’s in 2-3 years HaHa
I think you said no way when I said LeBron was leaving Cleveland and going to L.A.
Cannot see Kawhi staying in Toronto, got no idea about him, find him hard to read. But I truly hope he doesn’t sign for neither Philly or Lakers, they have a very good thing going with youngsters & he wouldn’t fit well with it, but as I have been saying for months I think Clippers are his best destination, so hopefully he ends up there.
Kawhi going to the Lakers would be a contract-duration curse, individually and team wise, of being “little brother” to LeBron and the Lakers. And, I think he and his best bud will fall in love with TOR and not want to leave there for the Lakers/Clippers anyway.
*I meant Kawhi going to the Clippers would be little brother
Cmon guys. Let’s let Kawhi know we want him to stay.
givemekawhiorgivemedeath.com
Careful what you wish for!
I believe no one really does want to play with LeBron! He can buy all the suits and watches for his teammates as a publicity stunt to say hey I’m a great teammate. But he’s a drama queen. I’d be surprised if Luke Walton survives the time LeBron is there. Cmon any player that gives himself his nickname what kind of person do you think that is? You don’t have to be arrested and in trouble with the law all the time to not be a bad person. This dude is full of himself. And unfortunately he’s playing for my favorite team.