Stephon Castle's biggest NBA adjustment has nothing to do with basketball

For most rookies, transitioning to the NBA is an uphill battle. Whether it's adjusting to the league's physicality, catching up to the speed of the game, or figuring out how to maintain peak performance during an exhausting travel schedule, these challenges often dominate early conversations about first-year players.

But for San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, the biggest adjustment has been something entirely unexpected: the weather.

In a recent interview with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, Castle revealed that his biggest challenge since entering the NBA wasn’t defending All-Stars or learning a new offensive system—it was San Antonio's relentless heat.

“It’s super hot out here compared to Connecticut at least. Connecticut was really cold, and over here, it’s been hot day in and day out… it’s STILL hot out here right now! I haven’t been able to wear jackets as much as I do, but that’s probably been one of my biggest adjustments so far,” Castle joked.

Castle is handling the early NBA grind exceptionally well

While Castle may have said it with a bit of jest, his lighthearted comment reflects an important truth about his rookie campaign so far: He's unshakable. The Georgia native has seamlessly adapted to the NBA’s demands, and his calm demeanor is evident on the court. Even after being thrust into the starting lineup due to Jeremy Sochan’s thumb injury, Castle hasn’t flinched.

Over the last eight games as a starter, Castle has averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 assists, and one steal per game while shooting 34.2% from deep. Those are solid numbers for a rookie who was initially expected to come off the bench for most of the season. Whether he’s throwing down thunderous dunks or shaking off the occasional turnover, Castle's facial expression almost never changes.

That level-headedness likely stems from his upbringing. Castle’s father, Stacy Castle, coached him as a youth. A former Wake Forest player who suited up alongside Spurs legend Tim Duncan, Stacy knows what it takes to excel at a high level, and he clearly passed those lessons down to his son.

The Spurs’ decision to draft Castle is looking like a stroke of genius. While Victor Wembanyama was the obvious choice last year, selecting Castle with the fourth pick in the first round was a calculated move that’s already paying dividends. His ability to remain unfazed, whether facing NBA defenses or locking up opposing stars, shows that he has the mindset to thrive long-term.

Castle's playful weather complaint might not sound like much, but it tracks perfectly with what fans have seen so far. He’s cool under pressure, adapting with ease, and proving that the Spurs struck gold in back-to-back drafts.