It's over for the NBA if surprising exec survey about Castle is true

We've reached the point in the offseason when ESPN releases the results of a poll conducted with 18 various NBA scouts, coaches and executives around the league. They predict everything, from who will be the best player in the upcoming season to which teams will win their respective conferences. It's a great way to get a feel for how those in influential NBA positions feel about the league, and seeing where there may be a consensus or lack thereof is always fascinating.

Victor Wembanyama's name showed up several times, and that's to be expected. There's only one young generational talent in the league right now, so he's going to be at the front of everyone's minds when predicting greatness. Rightfully, so. If the basketball gods permit health, there's every reason to expect Wembanyama to become one of the greatest players ever. Understanding that, the league has to worry about the San Antonio Spurs if this Stephon Castle prediction comes true.

Castle is expected to be the first or second-best player in his draft class in five years

There's already a segment of fans who are in disbelief that the Spurs have been fortunate enough to draft David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Wembanyama. If the Silver and Black wind up with the best player in the following draft class, it will be like swimming in Scrooge McDuck's riches for the franchise.

Reed Sheppard accumulated the most votes to be the best player in this draft class in five years, but Castle was second on the list. Whether he turns out to be first or second is inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. However, it would mean everything for the goal of sustained excellence that the Spurs are shooting for. He's a big guard with a variety of skills and ways to contribute to winning basketball games.

Fully realizing his potential by year five puts him in the perfect place to help this team dominate, as Wembanyama will be close to entering his prime. That's going to be scary enough on its own, but if San Antonio is also rolling out an all-star-level guard at his side, it's curtains for the league. The Spurs are known for building great rosters that fit well together, so there's no doubt they'll continue to do so. But if the leaders of the team have game like that, the reemergence of San Antonio's dynasty is a foregone conclusion.