Stephon Castle’s breakout could stun the entire NBA (Spurs fans know it)

In a relatively weak 2024 NBA Draft, potential stars were few and far between. However, by the keen eye of general manager Brian Wright, the Spurs nabbed one of them. The reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, is preparing to take over his entire rookie class.

Consistently improving, Castle endured a long road to get to where he is now. Yet it is only going to get harder. Previously working behind Chris Paul, Castle will now compete with a fully healthy De'Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, and newcomer Dylan Harper. Despite all of that, with his unmatched drive and determination, Castle will blossom into a star in year two.

Castle will skip past the sophomore slump

NBA fans love to erect an invisible wall in front of successful rookies, known as the sophomore slump. They expect rookies to face the harsh reality of the NBA after breaking onto the scene in their rookie year. But this isn't the case for every rookie. The very best are able to break through this imaginary wall, and Castle will be one of them.

Castle played his best basketball of the season when he was given the opportunity. The young guard was a dynamo on the court, putting up points in the dozens. With a green light, Castle proved his scoring chops were for real, and his effort was impossible to miss. His electric shotmaking was no flash in the pan.

Castle excelled as a ball handler and showed off his craftiness in isolation. Despite being considered a role player, he showed impressive signs of what he could become as a true scoring threat. Along with that, Castle thrived as a playmaker and defender. A true do-it-all guard, he has everything you could want. These traits will not be going away anytime soon.

In 2025-26, with a full season of work, Castle can quickly improve upon his rookie numbers. Both his 14.7 points and 4.1 assists will be improved upon as he transitions into his sophomore form. Get ready because Castle is about to erupt.

There is no doubt Castle will be a starter

With the insertion of the second overall pick, Dylan Harper, and De'Aaron Fox onboard as a starter, many have questioned how Castle will fit in the opening lineup. Well, I am here to tell you, Castle won't be going anywhere.

Like Fox, Castle is simply too talented to be moved or demoted. If Castle is the player we all expect him to be, the Spurs would be out of their mind to take him out of the starting lineup.

Unlike Fox, Castle will fit much better in a potential three-guard lineup. With his ability to play off the ball and cut to the rim, the firestarter will still be heavily involved. Additionally, his work on defense and lengthy 6'6" frame will pair well with the fellow guards.

Regardless of lingering ideas of packaging Castle in a deal for a superstar, the young guard is here to stay. There is no need to question whether or not he is a starter. He is on track to outperform his impressive rookie season, taking the league by storm. Castle's strengths will further be displayed in 2025-26, and he will plant his flag as the best player in the 2024 draft class.