The 2023 NBA Summer League is in the books, and it gave a number of players the opportunity to flash their potential and possibly earn a spot in the Association.
The Lakers had a mix of can’t-miss players, prospects looking to get playing time with Los Angeles and those fighting for a spot in the league.
Colin Castleton, an undrafted big man who played his college ball at the University of Michigan and the University of Florida, received a two-year deal from the Lakers right after last month’s draft. Not many people expected him to do well in summer league play, but he quickly proved he’s an intriguing prospect.
Castleton has a unique set of big man skills
In college, Castleton showed potential as a shot-blocker and low post scorer, and that continued with the summer Lakers.
In the first game of the California Classic, he had 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting, four rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes off the bench. Two days later, he moved into the starting lineup and dropped 18 points, eight boards, six assists and four blocked shots.
Colin Castleton had a great game today. Castleton finished with 18 Points, 8 Rebounds, 6 Assists, and 4 Blocks. Castleton was also efficient shooting 60% from the field. pic.twitter.com/t229aZTG2N
— KJ (@Kjpistons) July 6, 2023
In the five games he played in Las Vegas, Castleton averaged 13.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists a game. He showed the ability to facilitate the set offense either from the high post area or off the pick-and-roll as the roll man.
Early in summer league play, he appeared soft on the boards, but he improved in that department as time went on. He grabbed 14 rebounds on July 9 versus the Charlotte Hornets and another 14 boards in the finale on July 16.
Castleton has a nice jump hook in the post, and at times, he also showed some potential as a shot blocker, but his production in that area was inconsistent.
The Lakers need another big man with legitimate center size, and at 6-foot-11 and 231 pounds, he seems to fit the bill well enough although he could stand to bulk up. But they will need him to improve his shot-blocking and rim protection while giving a better effort in terms of boxing out and getting rebounds on a consistent basis.
Still, Castleton has proven he has NBA potential, and at the very least, he will be an interesting player to watch in the G League this season.
Final Grade: B-plus
