Stephon Castle Makes Strong Case For Rookie Of The Year
Can Stephon Castle become the first ranked rookie in the NBA?
In a recent episode of Locked On Spurs, host Jeff Garcia expressed dissatisfaction with the national media. While speaking about San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, Garcia said this about the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft:
“This rookie is really opening eyes” ... “But for some reason, he’s not getting any love” ... “You’ve got a rookie in Philadelphia; he’s getting more love than Steph Castle” ... “Philadelphia is 2-11” … “It’s baffling.”
At the time of that recording, Castle was ranked 6th on the KIA Rookie Ladder, and the only real national attention Castle had received this season was after an Emeritus NBA Cup loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, when superstar player LeBron James had inspiring words to say to Castle.
Since then, the Spurs have beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors. Castle played a huge role in both wins, including lockdown defense against the Warriors' Steph Curry. Castle is not just logging minutes in these games—he is contributing to winning. Against the Thunder, Castle recorded 10 points and 8 assists, nearly securing a double-double. The national media is starting to take notice. Now ranked second behind Philadelphia’s Jared McCain on the KIA Rookie Ladder, Castle is making a strong case for Rookie of the Year.
Area 51 In Full Effect
When the game was on the line in recent weeks, the ball has consistently been in Castle's hands. Veteran player Chris Paul may be on the court; however, Castle is running the offense to close games. Castle and Victor Wembanyama have been developing strong chemistry together. Spurs fans have dubbed the duo Area 51—a combination of Wembanyama’s alien moniker and their jersey numbers. Castle is averaging nearly 4 assists a game and 11.5 points as a rookie. These numbers may not stand out, but when combined with his lockdown defense, he is becoming a player that superstars have to fear. With Wembanyama on the court, the defense is even more oppressive for the opposing teams. Imagine battling past Castle only to face Wembanyama in the paint. The duo of Castle and Wembanyama will be a nightmare for the rest of the NBA for many years.
A Good Problem Is Still A Problem
Castle was inserted into the starting lineup after Jeremy Sochan fractured his thumb in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Sochan is arguably the Spurs' best point-of-attack defender. Sochan is expected to return from injury soon. Assuming he reclaims his starting position, will Castle be able to continue as a starter, or will he return to the bench, playing around 20 minutes a game? To continue his Rookie of the Year campaign seriously, I think he has to find a way to stay in the starting lineup.
In terms of the team, what really matters is who closes the game, and I don’t believe that will change for Castle. He’s proven to be a smart playmaker on both sides of the ball. The real question is, will he still play enough minutes to maintain his scoring average? A potential starting lineup could look like:
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Stephon Castle
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Jeremy Sochan
C: Victor Wembanyama
There are solid arguments for several different starting lineups. Julian Champagnie has proven to be a great defender and shooter. Devin Vassell could easily regain a starting spot as he returns from injury. Harrison Barnes is an NBA Champion and a seasoned vet, but Champagnie is playing better on the defensive side of the ball. The coaching staff has a lot of tough decisions to make as the season goes on. Having several players who are good enough to be starters is a good problem to have, but it is still a problem that may cost Castle his chance of being Rookie of the Year.
Will Stephon Castle Be The Rookie Of The Year?
Regardless of how the Rookie of the Year race turns out, Castle has proven he is a force to be reckoned with, and, in my opinion, has cemented his position on the team as its future starting point guard. Do you think Castle will win the Rookie of the Year? Will he remain a starter? Let us know what you think, by commenting below. Follow us on X, @spurfectblog, and subscribe to our Substack to support our work.