The San Antonio Spurs have hit a new stride since February 1st, and much of that success can be attributed to the stellar play of guard Stephon Castle. His performance over the last couple of months hasn't just elevated the Spurs from good to great; it's also showcased his incredible potential. While many anticipated Castle would be a solid player, his rapid development has exceeded expectations.
Even Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has expressed his delight that Castle landed in San Antonio during the 2024 NBA draft. Castle has emerged as the standout player from his draft class, swiftly dispelling any initial concerns about his game.
Stephon Castle: The Spurs' Emerging Third Star
In recent months, Castle has been putting up impressive numbers: averaging 16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and just 2.7 turnovers per game. His shooting has been noteworthy too, with a solid 38.9% from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts per game.
Initially, few pegged him as a lead playmaker, especially given his early-season struggles with turnovers-averaging 3.7 per game, the highest in the NBA. However, he has since turned things around with a nearly three-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio and has significantly improved his jump shot. Starting the season with a 25.9% three-point shooting percentage, his progress is undeniable.
Despite a season average of 31.8% from three, his recent form shows a marked improvement, proving his growth as a shooter.
Stephon Castle: A Draft Gem for San Antonio
Castle's shooting prowess has been on display, hitting 38.9% from three since February 1st and maintaining a 45.2% success rate on mid-range shots throughout the season. This development is significant, especially considering pre-draft concerns about his three-point shooting ability. Teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, and Houston Rockets likely passed on him for this reason, which has turned out to be their loss.
San Antonio's ability to snag Castle, despite not having a top-three pick, highlights their strategic acumen. He's already showcasing all-defensive first-team capabilities and is a top-tier slasher who frequently gets to the free throw line.
If Castle continues to improve his three-point shooting, there's little doubt he can become the Spurs' third star. This season, he's arguably been the team's second-best player, driving them toward a potential 60-win season. If that doesn't underscore Castle's special talent, nothing will.