LeBron James Praises Spurs Guard Stephon Castle for Winning Mentality, Not Just Stats
LOS ANGELES - When LeBron James talks about young players, it’s rarely just about the numbers. And when it comes to Stephon Castle, the 22-time All-Star sees something deeper than a sophomore surge in the box score.
Sure, Castle’s second-year leap with the San Antonio Spurs is real - 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field and 53.8% on two-pointers - all career highs through 44 games. But for James, the story isn’t just about what Castle is doing. It’s about how he got here.
“I like the fact that he went to UConn,” James said recently, highlighting Castle’s decision to join a system rooted in team-first basketball. “Even though he was the most talented guy on the team, he just kinda went in there and played his role.”
That role? Locking in on defense, picking his spots, and helping guide the Huskies to a national championship - not by dominating the ball, but by buying into a structure bigger than himself. That, according to James, is the mark of a winning player.
“He defended at a high level. He showed flashes of his athleticism,” James said.
“But he didn’t step outside the box. He was just fitting in.
And they won a National Championship. That’s a winning player.”
Castle’s talent was never in question - he was a lottery pick for a reason - but James is more impressed by the mindset that’s fueled his NBA development. It’s not just the scoring bump or the assist totals.
It’s the fact that Castle chose the tougher path. The one that doesn’t always show up in highlights.
“He didn’t go somewhere where he could just dominate the ball and shoot a bunch of shots,” James added. “I love that aspect.”
Now, Castle is thriving in a Spurs system that’s long been synonymous with structure, spacing, and defensive accountability. It’s a franchise that doesn’t just develop talent - it molds players into professionals.
“Obviously, him being in San Antonio, that helps too,” James said. “You’re gonna learn the game the right way. You’re gonna play the game the right way.”
Castle’s game has grown across the board this season. Along with the scoring and assist jumps, he’s posting career-bests in rebounds, steals, shooting efficiency, and minutes.
His 50.7% effective field-goal percentage is a strong indicator that he’s not just taking more shots - he’s taking better ones. And he’s doing it all while averaging 1.3 steals per game, showing that his defensive motor hasn’t taken a backseat to his offensive role.
For James, what stands out isn’t just the production - it’s the poise. The maturity. The willingness to do the little things before the big things.
“He just seems like a good kid,” James said. “I don’t really know him personally, but I’m pretty good at noticing if you’re a good person or not.”
That character, combined with Castle’s skill set and discipline, fits right into what the Spurs are building. At 6-foot-6, he’s proving he can be a two-way force - a playmaker who doesn’t sacrifice efficiency, a defender who doesn’t take possessions off.
In a league that often rewards flash, Castle is earning respect with substance. And when a player like LeBron James takes notice - not because of viral clips, but because of a commitment to doing things the right way - that says something.
Castle’s growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about habits. And if his foundation is any indication, San Antonio might have something special on its hands.