Why the Spurs Need to Ride Out Stephon Castle’s Sophomore Slump
Let’s get one thing straight: Stephon Castle is not the problem in San Antonio. Yes, the Spurs have hit a rough patch since Christmas.
And yes, Castle’s recent performances haven’t exactly lit up the box score. But this isn’t the time to hit the panic button.
It’s the time to remember what this team is building-and why Castle is still a big part of that vision.
The second-year guard is in the thick of a classic sophomore slump. It happens.
It’s practically a rite of passage in the NBA. Even some of the league’s brightest stars have stumbled in Year 2, and Castle is no exception.
What matters is how he responds-and how the organization supports him through it.
The Numbers Tell a Bigger Story
Let’s not lose sight of the full body of work. Castle is averaging 17 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds per game.
That’s not just solid production-it’s borderline All-Star level for a second-year guard, especially on a team with as many mouths to feed as the Spurs. Between Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and De’Aaron Fox, there’s no shortage of offensive firepower.
And yet, Castle has carved out a meaningful role as both a scorer and facilitator.
He’s not just putting up empty numbers, either. Castle brings serious defensive value on the perimeter.
His length, athleticism, and instincts make him a tough assignment for opposing guards. Even when his shot isn’t falling, he finds ways to impact the game-whether it’s exploding to the rim in transition or picking up full court to disrupt opposing ball handlers.
Don’t Overreact to a Cold Stretch
Look, fans are passionate. They want wins, and when a team starts slipping, it’s natural to look for answers.
But blaming Castle for the Spurs’ recent inconsistencies misses the mark. This isn’t just about one player.
It’s a team-wide issue, from the coaching staff down to the bench. Singling out Castle as the scapegoat is not only unfair-it’s shortsighted.
There’s a reason the coaching staff continues to trust him. Castle’s got the tools, the work ethic, and the mentality to fight through this.
He’s not sulking. He’s not pointing fingers.
He’s putting his head down and grinding. That’s exactly what you want from a young player in his position.
The “Run Killer” Narrative? Let’s Take a Breath
Yes, the numbers from the Spurs’ recent loss to the Pelicans are rough. Castle checked out in the third quarter with San Antonio up 19.
He returned in the fourth with the team clinging to a one-point lead-and they eventually lost by nine. He finished with a team-worst -19.
But context matters. Basketball is a team game, and plus-minus can be misleading in a single-game sample.
Was Castle perfect? No.
But pinning the collapse on one player ignores everything else that went wrong in that fourth quarter-from defensive lapses to stagnant offense to missed rotations.
A Long-Term Investment Worth Protecting
This is still the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. The Spurs are ahead of schedule in their rebuild, and Castle is a major reason why.
Benching him or cutting his minutes now would send the wrong message-not just to him, but to the rest of the locker room. Development isn’t linear, and growth doesn’t happen without adversity.
Let’s also not forget how good Castle looked earlier this season. He was aggressive, confident, and playing like a guy who belonged in the All-Star conversation.
That version of Castle is still in there. It’s just about finding rhythm again-and that only happens by playing through the rough patches, not sitting on the bench watching them.
What’s Next?
If there’s one adjustment worth exploring, it’s letting Castle play off the ball a bit more. With De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper capable of handling primary playmaking duties, Castle could thrive attacking closeouts, cutting without the ball, and focusing on what he does best-slashing, defending, and making plays in transition.
But even that’s a tweak, not a teardown. The Spurs don’t need to reinvent the wheel. They just need to stay the course.
Because the truth is, Stephon Castle is still one of the most promising young guards in the league. He’s got the game, the grit, and the upside.
This slump? It’s just part of the journey.
And if the Spurs are smart-and they usually are-they’ll keep riding with him.