Stephon Castle shows exactly what fans can expect after 2nd Summer League game
It was an inspiring first taste of NBA action from the fourth overall pick, Stephon Castle, as he recorded 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists while doing a little bit of everything against the Charlotte Hornets in the first game of the California Classic.
His apparent weaknesses in the draft process did not appear to be a challenge for him. He played the game at his pace and took what the defense presented. He shot well from three, showed off his tight handle, and looked like a certified playmaker. After sitting in game two, he continued to shine in game three versus China.
Castle shows he has all the tools
The former UConn Huskie left fans fiending for more after he recorded 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 26 minutes of action.
If it were someone's first time watching Stephon and knowing nothing about him, they wouldn't have guessed he was a rookie because he played with poise and let the game come to him as it pleased. He played at his pace and processed the floor as it developed to create offense for himself or his teammates.
The 19-year-old did everything that you could ask of him: he took care of the basketball, hustled on the glass, dominated around the rim, played the defense we know he's capable of, and looked much more like a developed facilitator by getting the ball to all spots of the floor. On top of that, Castle displayed exceptional basketball IQ by executing defensive rotations, navigating the floor on both ends and being in the right place at the right time, which resulted in highlights like this.
It's worth noting that this wasn't Steph's most remarkable performance shooting the basketball. He finished eight for twenty-one from the floor and zero for six from three, but the confidence was there. Regardless of the results, he continued to shoot with confidence. He showcased his ability to be a ball-dominant player by easily getting to his spots and showing how he can space himself to create catch-and-shoot opportunities.
In Castle's limited time in the California Classic, he's displayed the upside of being a do-it-all guy, doing all the little things, and showing he's got that Spurs mindset by giving 110% every play.
Steph and the Spurs kick off the Las Vegas Summer League on Saturday, July 13 at 8 PM central time. They'll face Castle's former partner in crime, Donovan Clingan. But till then, Spurs fans have plenty of Castle content to get them through.