Stephon Castle is one of the more promising and more important players on the San Antonio Spurs, although he, and everyone else, knows that their success starts and ends with Victor Wembanyama.
Castle, like Wembanyama, won Rookie of the Year with the Spurs, although the 2024 first overall pick is expected to play a supporting role, whereas Wembanyama is expected to be the best player in the entire NBA in a few short seasons.
As the Spurs build around Wembanyama, Castle has found himself in a bit of a logjam. Last season, the Spurs traded for All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, who is expected to be Wembanyama’s running mate. On top of that, the Spurs drafted Dylan Harper second overall this summer, another ball-dominant guard.
However, as Castle finds his NBA footing, he is willing to take a back seat if it translates to wins.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 06: Victor Wembanyama #1 and Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrate against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on January 06, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Stephon Castle Reveals Long-Term Plan With Spurs
In his rookie season, Castle posted a solid 14.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, which was good enough to win ROTY in a weak rookie class. While he and Wembanyama looked excellent together at times, the Spurs opted to add a more established player in Fox at the trade deadline.
However, the Spurs‘ refusal to include Castle in the trade with the Sacramento Kings should be very telling, and it’s clear that San Antonio sees him as a long-term piece.
Of course, the Spurs could flip him in the coming seasons, and with Fox, Castle, and Harper all under contract for at least the next three seasons, it’s hard to see the Spurs not making a trade involving a point guard, although Castle seems content on playing a smaller role, which Spurs fans will love to hear.
“I love playing here and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Castle told ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel on September 18.
Castle started 47 of his 81 games last season, although if he is willing to play off the bench, he would be the primary ball handler for the second unit.
Stephon Castle Is Perfectly Equipped to Come Off the Bench
There are not a ton of certainties with the Spurs next season. Both Fox and Wembanyama will start; that much is clear, and Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes seem poised to be included.
Either Harper or Castle will round out the backcourt, although whoever doesn’t join the starting five will still be surrounded by adequate talent. With Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson on the wings, Jeremy Sochan playing lockdown defense, and Luke Kornet down low, Castle should easily be able to facilitate for those established players.
Johnson, Kornet, and Champagnie can space the floor, covering for Castle’s main weakness and opening the paint for him to drive. Even if Castle happily agrees to come off the bench, he will likely get plenty of playing time with the stars as Harper finds his footing.
Manu Ginobili is one of the most beloved figures to ever play for the Spurs, mostly because he agreed to play a smaller role, despite being one of the best players on the roster. Castle could slot into a similar role, and the UConn product seems serious about putting winning above individual success and accolades.
Stephon Castle Reveals Future Plans for San Antonio Spurs