Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t be suiting up for All-Star Weekend this year due to a calf strain, but that didn’t stop the Bucks superstar from making his presence felt in Los Angeles. Even while sidelined, Giannis is still very much a part of the festivities - interviews, appearances, and, of course, sharing his thoughts on the rising talent in the league. And when the conversation turned to Spurs guard Stephon Castle, Giannis didn’t hold back.
“Incredible. Incredible.
He’s an incredible player,” Giannis said when asked about Castle, who’s quickly becoming one of the NBA’s most intriguing young two-way threats. “He definitely helps his team.
He’s like the engine of that team. One of the engines of that team.”
That’s high praise from a two-time MVP and former Defensive Player of the Year - and it’s not just lip service. Giannis made it clear what sets Castle apart in his eyes: a willingness to defend at a high level.
“One thing that I love about him is he’s not just an offensive player,” Giannis continued. “He takes the challenge of guarding the other team’s best player, which you don’t see a lot in today’s game.”
That’s the kind of respect that has to be earned, especially from someone like Giannis, who’s built his reputation on dominating both ends of the floor. Castle, the reigning 2025 Rookie of the Year, is doing just that - and then some.
In his sophomore campaign, Castle has taken another leap forward. Just days before the All-Star break, he dropped a 40-point triple-double on the Mavericks - a performance that felt like a statement game, if there ever was one. For the season, he’s averaging 16.5 points, seven assists, and five rebounds per game, while also establishing himself as one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders.
He’s not just putting up numbers - he’s impacting games.
Castle’s defensive commitment and offensive growth have made him a cornerstone for the Spurs, and his presence in the Rising Stars tournament was a reminder of just how bright his future is. He suited up for Team Melo and helped lead them to the final, where they ultimately fell to Team Vince, led by tournament MVP VJ Edgecombe.
Still, Castle’s performance in the Rising Stars showcase only added fuel to the growing belief that he won’t be in that game for long - next stop, the All-Star Game itself. With the new round-robin format featuring Team World, Team Stars, and Team Stripes, Castle could soon find himself among the league’s elite under the bright lights of All-Star Sunday.
Giannis was originally selected to represent Team World for the 10th consecutive year, but his injury opened the door for another Spur - De’Aaron Fox - to join the festivities, this time on Team Stripes.
While Giannis may be sidelined this weekend, his admiration for Castle speaks volumes. One elite two-way player recognizing another. And if Castle keeps trending the way he is, it won’t be long before he’s not just earning praise from stars like Giannis - he’ll be sharing the court with them on the game’s biggest stages.