Raptors hire friend of Kawhi Leonard for coaching role
The Toronto Raptors appear to be trying to make Kawhi Leonard feel more at home with his new team.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Monday that the Raptors have hired Jeremy Castleberry as a player development coach.
Sources: The Raptors are hiring Spurs assistant video coordinator Jeremy Castleberry as a player development coach. Castleberry earned degree at SDSU, worked his way up in Spurs system from video room.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 20, 2018
Castleberry has been billed by “HoopsHype” as Leonard’s best friend. Others described Castleberry in similar terms.
Also one of @kawhileonard closest confidantes https://t.co/x23WaES3ZI
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) August 20, 2018
Castleberry played with Leonard in high school and college. He was previously an assistant video coordinator for the Spurs, so becoming a player development coach with Toronto is a step up.
The Raptors acquired Leonard in a trade with San Antonio over the summer. They took a big risk by dealing franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan and a protected first-round pick to the Spurs despite knowing that Leonard could leave as a free agent next year. Leonard reportedly has his eyes on joining the Lakers eventually. They’re hoping that he will enjoy his time with Toronto and end up signing there longterm, similar to how impending Paul George chose to stay in Oklahoma City.
