Second-year guard is building on his Rookie of the Year foundation with poise, power and production
Stephon Castle didn’t waste time proving he belonged in the NBA. In his rookie season, he showed he could score, facilitate, defend, and win. Now, in Year 2, he’s not just sustaining that level—he’s elevating it. The Spurs have a superstar in the making in Stephon Castle, and the league is beginning to feel it.
Through 11 games this season, Castle is averaging 18.9 points, 7.9 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. He ranks top ten in assists league-wide and continues to show rapid improvement across the board.
At 6-foot-6, Castle brings size and versatility to the backcourt that’s already reshaping how San Antonio plays. He’s reading the floor faster, controlling the pace, and making more winning plays on both ends.
His scoring has become more assertive. He’s finishing through contact, getting to his spots in the midrange, and attacking downhill with purpose. While his three-point shooting sits at 23.4%, his overall efficiency is up—thanks to better shot selection and a stronger handle under pressure.
But the real growth is in his playmaking. Castle looks more comfortable running the offense, threading passes through tight windows, and balancing scoring with distribution. He’s setting up shooters, feeding the post, and keeping the ball moving. For a second-year guard, his feel for the game already looks advanced.
On defense, Castle hasn’t lost the edge that made him stand out as a rookie. He pressures the ball, jumps passing lanes, and doesn’t back down in switches. His size allows him to guard both backcourt spots, and his effort is relentless. He’s picking up more steals, contesting more shots, and staying locked in across possessions.
There’s still room to tighten things up. Turnovers are a challenge—he’s averaging 4.1 per game. But that comes with the territory when a young guard is asked to carry more of the offense. The key is that he’s learning from mistakes and rarely makes the same one twice. His poise late in games is improving, and so is his shot discipline.
What separates Castle from other young guards is his demeanor. He plays with calm intensity. He doesn’t force plays, doesn’t chase highlights—he plays to win. That mindset, combined with elite tools, is a foundation for long-term success.
The Spurs are betting big on their young core, and Castle is right at the center of it. He complements their franchise centerpiece, Victor Wembanyama, plays unselfishly, and brings a professional approach every night. The leap from good rookie to great player isn’t easy—but Castle is already making it look like the natural next step.
He’s not just holding his ground in Year 2. He’s climbing. And if the upward trend continues, Stephon Castle won’t just be a rising guard—he’ll be a franchise cornerstone alongside Victor Wembanyama. Wemby is the face of the Spurs, but Castle is proving he’s the co-star San Antonio needs to win big.
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