When LeBron James speaks, the basketball world listens - and over All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, he had high praise for one of the NBA’s rising young stars: Stephon Castle.
Castle, a UConn product and the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, was front and center at the Rising Stars game, soaking in the moment and the mentorship. And among the compliments he received, none carried more weight than James calling him “a winning player.”
That’s not just lip service from the league’s all-time leading scorer. LeBron didn’t just highlight Castle’s numbers or athleticism - he zeroed in on the how and why of Castle’s game. And it started with his decision to go to UConn and buy into Dan Hurley’s system.
“I like the fact that he went to UConn,” James said. “Even though he was the most talented guy on the team, he just kind of went in there and played his role.
He defended at a high level. He showed flashes of his athleticism, but he didn’t step outside the box.
He was just fitting in, and they won a national championship. That’s a winning player.”
That’s the kind of endorsement that speaks volumes - not just about Castle’s talent, but about his mindset. In a one-and-done era where top prospects often chase stats, Castle took a different route. He embraced structure, defense, and team success, and it paid off with a national title in 2024.
Castle’s lone season in Storrs was impressive, even if it didn’t come with gaudy numbers. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 34 games (30 starts), showing enough two-way potential to earn a top-five selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. The San Antonio Spurs took him fourth overall - and he’s been everything they hoped for and more.
Castle didn’t just adjust to the league - he thrived. He took home Rookie of the Year honors in 2024-25, averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 81 games, starting nearly half of them. But it’s his second year where we’re really seeing the leap.
Through this season, Castle’s numbers are up across the board: 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. The game is slowing down for him, and his playmaking has taken a noticeable step forward. He’s not just a scorer or an athlete - he’s becoming a true floor general.
LeBron took notice of that growth, too.
“I think we all saw how talented the kid was,” James said. “It’s the reason why he was a lottery pick and it’s the reason for what he’s doing now. The fact that he didn’t go somewhere where he could just dominate the ball and shoot a bunch of shots - I love that aspect.”
And then there’s the San Antonio factor. For a young guard with high-end tools, there may be no better place to develop than under the Spurs’ system.
“Obviously, you know, him being in San Antonio - that helps too,” James added. “You’re gonna learn the game the right way.
You’re gonna play the game the right way. His talent is obviously spoken for, but he just seems like a good kid.”
Castle’s growth isn’t just showing up in the box score - it’s showing up in the standings. The Spurs are 38-16 and sitting in second place in the Western Conference, just three games behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. And Castle isn’t just along for the ride - he’s helping steer the ship.
From UConn role player to NBA difference-maker, Stephon Castle’s rise has been steady, calculated, and undeniably impressive. And when a 22-time All-Star like LeBron James goes out of his way to praise your game, your mindset, and your development?
That’s not just validation - that’s a signal that Castle’s just getting started.