Why Stephon Castle Might Be the Spurs’ X-Factor in Their Title Hopes
When you think about the San Antonio Spurs and their future championship aspirations, your mind probably goes straight to Victor Wembanyama - the generational big man changing the geometry of the court - or De’Aaron Fox, the explosive guard who’s brought a new level of pace and playmaking to the backcourt. But here’s the twist: the player who might ultimately determine how far this team can go isn’t either of them. It’s Stephon Castle.
That’s right. The 21-year-old guard, now in his second NBA season, may very well hold the keys to San Antonio’s title trajectory. And while that might sound like a heavy load for a sophomore, the way this roster is built - and the way Castle impacts both ends of the floor - makes the case stronger than you might expect.
The Three-Point Shot That Could Change Everything
Let’s start with the most glaring issue: San Antonio’s perimeter shooting. It’s no secret that the Spurs have struggled from deep, and Castle is right in the thick of it. He’s currently knocking down just 28.1% of his three-point attempts - a number that mirrors his rookie season and one that clearly needs to improve.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t unfixable. In fact, we’ve seen young players make significant leaps in their shooting efficiency with the right combination of work ethic, coaching, and reps.
Castle has the foundation and the drive. If he can even become a respectable shooter from beyond the arc, it changes the entire complexion of the Spurs’ offense.
Why? Because it forces defenses to play him honestly.
Right now, defenders are sagging off, daring him to shoot, which clogs the paint and limits spacing for Wembanyama, Fox, and the rest of the team’s interior-focused attack. But if Castle starts hitting just a few more of those open looks, defenders will have to close out - and that’s when things open up.
Suddenly, driving lanes appear. Kick-outs become more dangerous.
The offense breathes.
And it’s not just about spacing. A reliable jumper would make Castle a true three-level threat.
He already has the size and slashing ability to get to the rim. Add a consistent perimeter shot, and defenders are left guessing.
That’s when a young guard becomes a real problem.
Defensive Grit That Sets the Tone
While Castle’s offensive growth is vital, his defense is already a calling card - and it’s what makes him so important in the bigger picture.
At 6’6” with strength, length, and a competitive edge, Castle has the physical tools to be a high-level perimeter defender in the NBA. And the Spurs are counting on that. In a conference loaded with elite guards - think Luka Dončić, Stephen Curry, Jamal Murray - having a guy who can take on those assignments is non-negotiable if you’re serious about contending.
That’s where Castle comes in. His ability to apply pressure at the point of attack, fight through screens, and disrupt opposing offenses gives San Antonio a defensive backbone in the backcourt. Pair that with Wembanyama’s rim protection, and suddenly you’ve got a defense that can clamp down at every level.
Come playoff time, that matters. A lot.
Matchups get tighter, possessions get slower, and every stop becomes more valuable. If Castle can lock in and consistently take on the challenge of defending the opposing team’s top perimeter scorer, he becomes one of the most valuable players on the roster - even if the box score doesn’t always show it.
The Spurs’ Ceiling Rests on Castle’s Growth
So yes, Wembanyama is the franchise cornerstone. Fox is the engine.
But Castle? He might just be the swing factor.
If he takes that next step - if the jumper starts falling and the defensive intensity stays dialed in - San Antonio’s ceiling rises dramatically.
Because this isn’t just about one player improving. It’s about how his development unlocks the potential of everyone around him.
More spacing for Wembanyama. More freedom for Fox.
A more balanced, dangerous two-way team.
But if Castle stagnates - if the shot doesn’t come around and the defense can’t consistently hold - the Spurs risk becoming a team that’s always one piece away. And in the Western Conference, that’s a dangerous place to be.
The stakes are high, but so is the upside. For San Antonio, the path to contention might not just run through their stars - it might run through the growth of a 21-year-old guard who’s still putting the pieces together.
And if he figures it out? Watch out.