Rookies
Stephon Castle
Despite dropping fewer points and fluctuating in minutes following the NBA All-Star weekend, Stephon Castle proved why generational talent comes once in a blue moon. Once March hit, the rookie flipped a switch, cashing in for 22 points and averaging a little more than 29 minutes a game. In addition, the 20-year-old has been shooting 51% from the field, only going below 50% against the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the former Husky struggled from the three, recording nearly 32% of shots. Nevertheless, Castle dished out almost five assists per contest so far in March, an improvement from February where he set up nearly three players. With an incredible season, the odds of adding Rookie of the Year to the Georgia native’s resume look high, per Fox Sports.
Donovan Clingan
With Deandre Ayton still suffering from a calf strain, Donovan Clingan has taken advantage of the opportunity with the Portland Trail Blazers. So far in March, the 7-foot-2 center has contributed seven and a half points per match. In the Trail Blazers’ recent clash against the Golden State Warriors, the big man scored 15 points, the third highest on the team. Within 32 minutes of playing time, ‘Cling Kong’ finished five of eight field goals, notched a three pointer and drained two free throws. In addition, the Warriors joined the block party, as the Connecticut native swatted away four balls. Overall, the former Husky seized a little less than nine boards, two and a half assists and about two blocks per game in March. Furthermore, Clingan leads the team with a little more than one and a half blocks, per ESPN. Regardless of losing the last four contests, the center continues to show signs of improvement.
Cam Spencer
Cam Spencer returned to the main roster for three of the Memphis Grizzlies’ March matchups. In their recent face off against the Phoenix Suns, the 24-year-old showed why he’s here to stay, putting up 16 points. Within 20 minutes, Spencer buried four balls beyond the arc, one within the paint and nailed two free throws. In addition, the guard cashed in a three-point buzzer beater to end the third quarter. “He’s psycho. But I love it,” said Ja Morant when asked by Jessica Benson about the former Husky. After thriving with the Memphis Hustle G League team, seeing the rookie with the Grizzlies more often should come as no surprise.
Tristen Newton
Despite dropping a little more than 18 points per game in the G League, Tristen Newton got benched in the Iowa Wolves’ last four contests. Nonetheless, the rookie returned against the Oklahoma City Blue but saw better days. Combining for a total of eleven shot attempts, not one went in. However, the 23-year-old secured eight points off the free throw line. In addition, the former Husky stole five balls and dished out to five players. With that said, not participating in four clashes could take part in playing poorly, as seeing Newton struggling to perform is unusual.
Second Year Players
Jordan Hawkins
Despite the New Orleans Pelicans struggling to win, Jordan Hawkins produced double-digit point totals in four out of six matchups in March. The guard averaged nearly 11 and a half points, shooting 38 and a half percent from within the arc and a little more than 37% from deep. To add on, in the Pelicans’ victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Hawkins knocked down tough contested shots, per the Pelicans. Coming off the bench, the former Husky fits well in the Pelicans’ scheme.
Andre Jackson Jr.
Andre Jackson Jr. reappeared in the Milwaukee Bucks’ win over the Mavericks, after a wrist injury sidelined him for four games. The 23-year-old ended with eight points, sinking two threes and one two within nine minutes. However, Jackson missed two out of the Bucks’ three following clashes and hardly performed against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite not landing on the injury report, it is unclear what happened to the guard.
Adama Sanogo
Adama Sanogo sits in free agency waiting to get picked up, after the Chicago Bulls waived him on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The team finalized the decision after finding out the 22-year-old will miss four weeks after suffering a right ailing knee, per CBS Sports.