Stephon Castle and Blake Wesley give the Spurs something they've never had

The San Antonio Spurs have long been a team known for their defensive grit and commitment, and they’re looking to get back to that identity this season. With a young, athletic roster, the Spurs are well-positioned to shock the experts if they can lock in defensively.

Two key players could be crucial in helping the team return to its roots—Stephon Castle and Blake Wesley. Both are dynamic defenders who give the Spurs something they’ve never had: two athletic guards who can lock down multiple positions, force turnovers, and fuel fast breaks.

Spurs can consistently defend great offensive playmakers now

Wesley, a former Notre Dame standout, has already shown flashes of his defensive potential. He’s quick, aggressive, and relentless—traits that make him a nightmare for opposing guards. While he's not a pure point guard, his athleticism allows him to disrupt offensive schemes and create chaos on the perimeter.

On the other hand, Castle, the rookie out of UConn, has impressed in his short time with the team, showing a surprising level of maturity and versatility on both ends of the floor. "I see him fitting very well, with no problem," Wemby, the reigning Rookie of the Year, said about Castle during training camp. "The way he learns is pretty impressive."

The French superstar isn’t the only one taking notice of Castle’s potential. Chris Paul, the team’s shiny new veteran point guard, also had high praise, saying, "Steph is so good. You can tell he was well-coached in college." That blend of defensive intelligence and raw athleticism is exactly what the Spurs will need in droves this year.

They’ve had smart guards, they’ve had quick guards, but they’ve never had two who can do what Wesley and Castle are capable of doing—defend multiple positions aggressively and start fast breaks they can finish emphatically themselves. The best part about them is that they want to defend.

Imagine a lineup that features Wesley, Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, and Victor Wembanyama. That’s a unit that could give opposing offenses nightmares.

Sochan’s versatility and ability to switch onto nearly any player, combined with Wemby’s rim protection and Castle and Wesley’s perimeter defense, could make for one of the most formidable defensive lineups in the league.

If you want to add more firepower to the mix, you could swap Champagnie for Vassell, the former Seminole who’s capable of dropping 20 points per game. His defense took a slight step back in favor of his offense last season, but expect him to put it all together in year five. Coach Pop will demand as much.

Everyone must buy back into the Spurs defensive identity

Winning in the NBA requires relentless effort, particularly on the defensive end. It’s not enough to love winning—you have to hate losing. That hate for losing has to fuel your energy, your intensity, and your focus. Wesley and Castle bring that type of competitive fire, and their impact will be felt as the Spurs work to re-establish themselves as a team no one wants to face.

As the preseason rolls on, fans will have the chance to see just how this new defensive identity takes shape. In tonight’s preseason matchup against the Orlando Magic, Coach Popovich will continue experimenting with lineups.

There’s a chance we might see some of these defensively dynamic combinations on the court. One thing is certain: with the right mix of young talent and defensive intensity, this Spurs team could be much more dangerous than anyone expects.