NBA Notes: Spurs, Stephon Castle, Pistons, Daniss Jenkins, Blazers

Spurs

Stephon Castle is making noise, even if he does not see himself as a scorer first.

The reigning Rookie of the Year entered Saturday with averages of 16.6 points and 7.0 assists, but Castle told Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News that defense is where he wants to make his mark.

“I’m trying to hang my hat on that end,” Castle said. “So any challenges the coaches give me on that end, I kind of accept.”

Head coach Mitch Johnson believes that mindset can translate to league wide recognition.

“He’s an All-NBA defender when he puts his energy and focus into the right areas,” Johnson said.

For a Spurs team still building its identity, Castle’s two-way approach continues to stand out.

Pistons

Daniss Jenkins is betting on himself.

The second-year guard recently declined a two-year minimum salary offer from Detroit, according to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Jenkins is currently on a two-way contract and is nearing the 50-game active limit, meaning a standard deal will soon be required for him to remain eligible.

The expectation, however, is that a more lucrative agreement will eventually be reached. Fischer and Stein point to recent deals signed by Ajay Mitchell and Miles McBride as possible benchmarks.

An above-minimum contract would require Detroit to use its biannual exception after spending the full non-taxpayer mid-level on Caris LeVert. If no agreement is reached soon, Jenkins is expected to draw multiyear offers in restricted free agency this summer, which the Pistons would have the right to match.

Jenkins has carved out a steady role, averaging 7.7 points while shooting efficiently and earning a reputation as a reliable defender. Detroit has a full 15-man roster, and Stein previously reported a conversion could wait until after the February 5 trade deadline.

While the Pistons are not signaling a major move, they continue to monitor wing scorers such as Michael Porter Jr. and Miles Bridges. Charlotte is believed to want at least one first round pick for Bridges, while Brooklyn is seeking more than that for Porter.

Trail Blazers

As we relayed earlier, the Blazers continue to hover around the Giannis Antetokounmpo orbit.

After previously exploring the idea of facilitating a multi-team deal involving the Bucks star, Fischer and Stein now report the Blazers have also expressed interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo outright.

Portland recognizes the reality. Convincing Giannis to sign a long term extension would be an extreme long shot.

Around the league, the expectation remains that Portland’s most likely role would be as a facilitator, using assets and flexibility to improve its roster while helping a larger deal come together.

Rival teams believe acquiring Jrue Holiday could help improve their odds with Giannis, and the Blazers are known admirers of Knicks wing Mikal Bridges. Portland also has a unique relationship angle, with Holiday and Damian Lillard both close to Antetokounmpo from their Milwaukee days.

The Blazers control key future Bucks picks from the Lillard trade and still have their own draft capital, along with young pieces such as Donovan Clingan.

While a deadline deal is possible, Portland would have even more flexibility in the offseason once additional restrictions come off the books.