Who’s your favorite player? Michael Jordan, Harper …

The pair are boys off the court. "Unfortunately," Castle jokes. They communicate as if they've been teammates for decades—sharing silent glances or chuckles, wordlessly telegraphing their responses to my questions. They are hyperaware of the fact that my recorder is running, looking at it for even the most benign answers. Who's your favorite player? Michael Jordan, Harper says. ("My dad is, like, close with him…I feel like I'm obligated to like him.") Who are the toughest guys you faced off against in the playoffs? The Minnesota Timberwolves' diet version of MJ, Anthony Edwards, Castle says. Harper's face shatters into a grin. "Scoot," he says, shouting out the Portland Trail Blazers' up-and-down young guard Scoot Henderson. After a minute, Harper cites Jalen Brunson and Gilgeous-Alexander as well, along with OG Anunoby. "He's not even that hard to guard, though," Castle notes. "He just doesn't miss it."