Stephon Castle is starting to look like the kind of player you build a franchise around. In just his second season, the reigning Rookie of the Year has not only elevated his own game-he's elevated San Antonio’s trajectory.
While the conversation around Castle often circles back to his outside shooting, that narrow focus misses the full picture. Castle isn’t just surviving in the NBA-he’s thriving, and doing so in ways that set him apart from the rest of his draft class.
Castle’s All-Around Game Is Setting the Standard
Let’s talk numbers first. Castle is putting up 18 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and a steal per game.
That’s not just solid-it’s elite company for a sophomore. Only one second-year player is scoring more points per game, and fans will get a front-row seat to that comparison when Alex Sarr and the Wizards roll into Frost Bank Center.
Sarr is averaging 19 a night, but he’s doing it on 52% shooting. Castle?
Right behind him at 51%. And when you factor in Castle’s responsibilities on both ends of the floor, that efficiency becomes even more impressive.
But it’s not just about the scoring. Castle leads all second-year players in assists, and he’s arguably the best perimeter defender in that group-by a wide margin.
We’re talking about a young guard who’s already being tasked with defending MVP-caliber players and doing it well. This season, Castle has gone toe-to-toe with Jalen Brunson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-two of the craftiest, most dynamic guards in the league-and held his own.
That’s not just rare for a second-year player; it’s almost unheard of.
Sure, there are some things he’s still working through-turnovers being the most notable. But even those haven’t significantly hurt the Spurs.
The team is better with the ball in Castle’s hands, and the trust they’ve placed in him is already paying dividends. Once his outside shot becomes more consistent-and there’s every reason to believe it will-defenses are going to have a serious problem on their hands.
Why the Spurs Handed Castle the Keys
When De’Aaron Fox wasn’t ready to go at the start of the season, Castle stepped in to run the offense. That made sense.
What caught some fans off guard, though, was that even after Fox returned, Castle kept the keys. But take a closer look, and it’s clear why San Antonio stuck with him.
This isn’t some experimental project like the Jeremy Sochan point guard trial. Castle has a real foundation as a lead guard.
He’s been handling the ball since high school and has shown he can manage the offense at a high level. He’s not just being thrown into the fire-he’s been preparing for this role for years.
And the Spurs aren’t asking him to do it all alone. With Fox back in the lineup, they have a veteran presence who can take over when needed.
But Fox’s versatility allows him to play off the ball, giving Castle the space to grow without sacrificing wins. That’s a luxury not every young guard gets, and it’s a big reason why Castle’s development is on such a steep upward climb.
Building Toward Something Bigger
This approach speaks volumes about San Antonio’s long-term vision. They’re not just developing a young player-they’re building a backcourt that could be one of the league’s most dynamic for years to come. Castle is proving he can be the engine, and Fox is the perfect complement: experienced, explosive, and adaptable.
If the Spurs can continue to nurture this pairing while staying competitive in the loaded Western Conference, they’re setting themselves up for something special. This isn’t just about winning now-it’s about building a sustainable core that can contend for years.
Stephon Castle is already showing signs of becoming that rare kind of player who can lead both ends of the floor, night in and night out. And if this is just the beginning, San Antonio fans have every reason to be excited.