Expectations tend to weigh heavily on young players, especially in their second year in the NBA. The proverbial sophomore slump rears its ugly head and while it can derail careers, it has largely been a greater reality check than your typical “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
So far, Stephon Castle has had none of that.
The talk surrounding the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was that he was benefitting from the touches that came from Victor Wembanyama sitting out the season after 46 games last season, but Castle’s solid play began before that and continued even after the San Antonio Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox.
As the Spurs were taking a developmental approach in 2024-25, the former UConn Husky was able to work through the rigors of the NBA and demonstrate how his scoring and relentless energy can be part of San Antonio’s long-term plans. Now, Castle continues to lift his game in Year Two, posting career numbers and improved efficiency by his standards.
If his own offense took center stage last season, Castle has demonstrated his playmaking ability. His 7.1 assists per game lead the team and he’s had double-digit assists in five of his 19 games, two more than he had all season last year. It’s easy to see that Castle has become more comfortable and he has allayed any concerns that the return of Wembanyama, a full season with Fox, and the addition of the dynamic Dylan Harper would have adverse effects. If anything, he’s uplifted their games and that of the Spurs.
Castle’s agenda was to push the pace, whether that was in directing the fastbreak or being pesky on defense. Thanks to the 21-year old’s efforts, seven players scored in double figures and the 26 assists San Antonio finished with in a 124-113 victory over the Washington Wizards highlighted how ball movement continues to be the hallmark of the Spurs.
Of course, Castle was able to get in a play for himself that will surely light up social media.
Talks of an All-Star campaign have ignited and Castle’s recent play has definitely earned him some serious consideration. However, the goal remains playing through April and hopefully May and June. Castle has not availed of San Antonio’s load management program, but that does not preclude him from being part of that later on in the season. For now, though, the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year will continue to be the biggest beneficiary when his peers stay on the sidelines.
Stephon Castle will certainly have no qualms with that as he has made the most out of his opportunities in the last two seasons. During that span, he has exceeded expectations and with the way things are going for him, who’s to say that sky isn’t the limit?
