Judging by how he’s played thus far, it’s clear that San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle is out to make a statement. Castle, despite being the reigning Rookie of the Year, has seemingly been discounted by many outsiders watching the Spurs.
They can be forgiven with all eyes on Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, and even De’Aaron Fox. Sleep on him if you want to; however, because Castle has been gone to turn heads with his strong play to start the season, even earning praise from The Ringers’ Bill Simmons.
He “clearly went up a level,” according to Simmons. He’s right. Against the Dallas Mavericks, he had one of the strongest games of his career, posting 22 points on just 12 shots and drawing an impressive 10 free throws.
He proved relentless attacking the basket and putting pressure on Dallas’ defense. While he did miss five free throws, he continues to show an uncanny ability to get to the line, something that is rare for a 20-year-old.
His explosive athleticism, aggressiveness attacking the basket, and also living at the line are the type of attributes that could make him a star.
Stephon Castle’s massive breakout is already happening
With Fox out to start the season, Castle’s skill has been on full display. After coming off the bench for most of his rookie season and often having to play off the ball, we are now getting to see what he can do as a primary ballhandler in the NBA.
Needless to say, he looks the part of a lead ballhandler, especially with him being able to defend both guards and wings. Of course, he will eventually have to settle back into a role as a secondary shot creator when Fox returns, but it’s entirely possible there could be a Tony Parker- and Manu Ginobili-style partnership.
Comparing a one-time all-star and a Rookie of the Year to two Hall of Famers is obviously a bit of a stretch, but hear me out. Fox is the obvious Parker of the pairing, a lightning-fast point guard who used his speed and craft to put pressure on the rim.
Stephon Castle could emerge as the Spurs’ third star
Ginobili and Castle weren’t and aren’t as fast, though they made up for it with craftiness and explosive leaping ability. Castle obviously has to improve as a shooter, and that is still a work in progress, but the potential is there for that pairing to be lethal.
With Fox soon to return and Harper earning minutes, Castle will have to figure out ways to thrive more off-ball. He isn’t shy about taking threes and could continue his strong start by upping his average to around 35% from deep, scoring off drives or cuts, and generating more trips to the line.
All of those things are well within his wheelhouse and could very well put him in the Most Improved Player of the Year conversation.
Ultimately Castle’s play thus far this season suggests that he is in for a monster breakout season. If he can thrive playing alongside Fox and Wembanyama, then the Spurs may very well have their new Big Three.
