NBA’s new point of emphasis may force Stephon Castle back to the drawing board

The NBA recently announced several new points of emphasis, and one could negatively affect San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle. The NBA will soon crack down on offensive players extending their off-arm, and Castle has been known to push off on drives, using his off-hand to gain separation from his defender.

However, with the NBA cracking down on that move, Castle will have to go back to the drawing board to avoid it negatively affecting his game. He can't risk picking up offensive fouls for pushing off, especially when he is often tasked with guarding the other team's best player.

Picking up ticky-tack fouls on offense could result in him being in foul trouble more and being less effective defensively.

Stephon Castle must go back to the drawing board to adjust his game

There will certainly be an adjustment period for many offensive players who have been using the stiff arm to create an advantage over their defender. Fortunately, it appears to be more of a habit rather than something that's needed for him to gain an advantage.

Castle is still incredibly explosive and terrific at navigating screens, allowing him to get down hill with ease. He should quickly adjust to the NBA's new point of emphasis.

On the flip side, with Castle being the Spurs' best perimeter defender, having the opposing team's best offensive player not able to push off could help Castle on that end of the floor.

The NBA cracking down on stiff arms could actually help Stephon Castle

That trade-off could ultimately be worth it. Having stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson unable to push off when Castle is guarding them should keep him attached at their hip and make it harder for them to score.

Castle will also have to make the offensive adjustment, but he doesn't draw the same defensive attention that those two players get. He could also play more off-ball this season, allowing him to build upon the shooting improvement he made last season and over the summer.

Hitting open threes and attacking closeouts could help to negate any potential downsides of the league cracking down on stiff arms. Castle will ultimately have to adjust to the changes in officiating but could be better for it in the long run.

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