In just two games, Stephon Castle has shown San Antonio fans exactly why he’ll be a game-changer for the Spurs. Castle’s impact on the floor, especially when paired with Victor Wembanyama, has already given opposing offenses major headaches.
While Chris Paul is the starting point guard right now, and rightly so due to his experience and leadership, Castle’s poise and defensive skill set show he’s more than ready for the spotlight. There’s a reason Gregg Popovich has trusted him to defend high-level players like Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic in his first few games—he’s earning his stripes fast.
Castle’s confidence on defense was on full display in the game against Houston. Late in the fourth quarter, the Rockets attempted a pick-and-roll with Castle guarding the ball handler and Wembanyama covering the screener. The result was a forced shot-clock-beating heave that had no chance of going in from the moment it left his fingertips.
This wasn’t an isolated play; Castle and Wembanyama have already displayed an impressive synergy, shutting down pick-and-roll actions that typically work against other defenses. With Castle’s ability to stifle ball handlers and Victor’s daunting presence in the paint, San Antonio’s defense has a bright future.
Castle will be the perfect point guard for the Spurs’ future
While Chris Paul’s role as the starting point guard is invaluable for the team right now, Castle’s early contributions have fans eagerly anticipating what the future holds. There’s no shortcut to understanding what it takes to prepare for an 82-game season at an elite level.
Having Paul on the floor, along with Harrison Barnes, sets a standard for Castle and the rest of the team, showing them the importance of consistency and preparation. But in these early matchups, Castle has proven that the moment isn’t too big for him. Popovich’s decision to put him on the court in late-game scenarios signals a huge level of trust, and it’s easy to see why.
Eventually, Castle will eventually take on a starting role, and when that time comes, San Antonio could be deploying a lineup with Castle, Jeremy Sochan, and Wembanyama—a terrifying defensive trio. Castle brings a unique mix of size, athleticism, and defensive IQ; Sochan has already established himself as a fierce defender, and the whole league knows Wemby is looming like Winter is coming.
The rookie out of UConn knows how to use his physicality to stay glued to his assignment, anticipates screens, and understands how to disrupt offensive rhythm. With time and experience, his presence will only become more formidable.
The Spurs’ decision to draft Castle is already looking like a steal, which says something when you selected at number four. It’s likely the league will regret letting him fall into San Antonio’s hands. A player with his defensive chops, combined with the other young talents on this roster, is going to give opposing offenses nightmares for years to come.
As Castle continues to develop alongside Wembanyama, the Spurs could very well be building the foundation of the league’s next elite defense. Unfortunately for the Rockets, that building process will keep happening on top of their heads in tonight’s rematch at the Frost Bank Center.
