Rookie Watch Vol. 8: Jared McCain drops 27! Stephon Castle, Kyshawn George and Grizz rookies impress

Locked On NBA Big Board - NBA Draft Podcast

In Rookie Watch Volume 8 of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, host Rafael Barlowe and his brother James Barlowe dive into a jam-packed episode analyzing standout rookie performances from the weekend.

They start by breaking down Jared McCain’s breakout 27-point game against the Charlotte Hornets, highlighting McCain’s expanded role due to injuries. Stephon Castle also earns high praise for seizing his opportunity in the starting lineup, showing off his two-way potential.

The Barlowe brothers then discuss Kyshawn George, the Wizards rookie who’s been on a tear, averaging 14 points per game over his last four outings—a bright spot for a Wizards team needing to develop young talent.

The episode heats up as they analyze the much-anticipated matchup between two lottery talents, Zaccharie Risacher and Matas Buzelis. This wasn’t just any matchup; it came with an extra edge after Buzelis publicly called out Risacher in the pre-draft process, adding fuel to an already intriguing rookie rivalry.

They wrap up the episode with a look at the Memphis Grizzlies’ rookie class, which has continued to produce despite injuries to the team’s top three players, helping Memphis to an impressive 7-4 start.

Finally, they touch on Donovan Clingan’s career-high 13 points against the Blazers, underscoring Portland’s struggles as the young center continues to show flashes of his potential in an otherwise challenging season for his team.

Jared McCain -2:43

Stephon Castle - 6:56

Kyshawn George - 13:17

Isaiah Collier - 16:57

Risacher vs Buzelis - 22:44

Grizzlies Rookies - 27:28

Donovan Clingan -29:46

Grizzlies Rookies - 29:58