NBA Notebook: Castle’s Defensive Identity, Jenkins’ Bet on Himself, and the Blazers’ Giannis Ambitions
Spurs: Stephon Castle’s Two-Way Potential Is Turning Heads
Stephon Castle isn’t chasing headlines with flashy scoring nights - though he’s more than capable of putting up numbers. The reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 16.6 points and 7.0 assists heading into Saturday, but ask him what matters most, and he’ll point to the other end of the floor.
“I’m trying to hang my hat on that end,” Castle said, referring to his defense. “So any challenges the coaches give me on that end, I kind of accept.”
That’s not just talk. Castle’s commitment to defense is becoming a cornerstone for a Spurs team still shaping its identity. Head coach Mitch Johnson sees something special brewing.
“He’s an All-NBA defender when he puts his energy and focus into the right areas,” Johnson said.
That’s high praise - and it’s not unwarranted. Castle’s blend of size, instincts, and intensity on defense is rare for a young guard.
He’s not just guarding his man; he’s setting the tone. In a league where offense often dominates the spotlight, Castle’s defensive mindset is refreshing - and potentially transformative for San Antonio’s rebuild.
Pistons: Daniss Jenkins Is Playing the Long Game
Daniss Jenkins is betting on himself - and so far, it’s paying off.
The second-year guard recently turned down a two-year minimum deal from the Pistons, a bold move considering he’s on a two-way contract and approaching the 50-game limit for active NBA appearances. Once he hits that mark, Detroit will need to convert him to a standard deal to keep him on the roster.
But Jenkins isn’t just waiting for the clock to run out. The expectation around the league is that a better offer is coming - one that reflects his value beyond a minimum contract. Recent deals for guards like Ajay Mitchell and Miles McBride have set the market, and Jenkins could be next in line.
To make that happen, Detroit would likely need to dip into its biannual exception, having already used its full non-taxpayer mid-level exception on Caris LeVert. If they don’t act soon, Jenkins could become a hot name in restricted free agency this summer, where the Pistons would still hold matching rights.
Jenkins has earned this moment. He’s averaging 7.7 points, playing efficient basketball, and building a reputation as a dependable defender in the backcourt. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady - and for a Pistons team trying to find consistency, that matters.
With a full 15-man roster, Detroit may wait until after the February 5 trade deadline to make a move. In the meantime, they’re keeping tabs on potential upgrades at the wing, including names like Michael Porter Jr. and Miles Bridges. Charlotte reportedly wants a first-round pick for Bridges, while Brooklyn’s asking price for Porter is even steeper.
Trail Blazers: Portland Still Circling the Giannis Conversation
The Trail Blazers haven’t taken their eyes off the biggest name potentially on the move: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Portland previously explored the idea of helping facilitate a multi-team deal involving the Bucks superstar. Now, they’ve reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Giannis outright - a swing-for-the-fences move that would require a perfect storm of circumstances.
Let’s be real: convincing Giannis to sign a long-term extension in Portland would be a massive long shot. But that’s not stopping the Blazers from exploring every angle.
Around the league, the belief is that Portland’s most realistic play is still as a facilitator - using their assets and cap flexibility to improve their own roster while helping a bigger deal come together. But they’re not just sitting back. There’s a clear desire to be in the mix for impact players.
There’s also a relationship thread worth watching. Jrue Holiday, a player Portland has long admired, remains close with Giannis from their Milwaukee days.
So does Damian Lillard. If the Blazers were to land Holiday - or even make a push for someone like Mikal Bridges, another player they’re known to like - it could shift the dynamics of any Giannis-related talks.
Portland holds valuable future Bucks picks from the Lillard trade, still owns its own draft capital, and has intriguing young players like Donovan Clingan. That gives them flexibility - and leverage - in any potential blockbuster.
Whether they’re chasing Giannis or helping someone else land him, the Blazers are positioning themselves to be more than just bystanders.
Bottom Line
Across the league, young players are stepping into bigger roles, teams are weighing bold moves, and the trade deadline looms as a potential turning point. Stephon Castle is proving that defense still matters.
Daniss Jenkins is betting on his value and forcing Detroit’s hand. And Portland?
They’re staying close to the fire - and they’ve got the tools to stir it.
Stay tuned. The next few weeks could get interesting.