San Antonio Spurs Stephon Castle's Rookie Role Revealed

To no surprise, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Stephon Castle fourth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. The UConn product showed elite defensive potential in college and seems to be ready to take over as the point guard of the future next to Victor Wembanyama, although he will likely spend a season behind Chris Paul, learning the ropes.

For a player who succeeded off-ball in college, learning from "The Point God" is not a bad way to start a long and successful NBA career, although he showed flashes of excellence in the Summer League as the primary facilitator. Still, expect him to play a secondary role in his rookie season.

Spurs insider Matthew Tynan seems to think that Castle will play a big role this season, but not one indicative of his long-term outlook.

"While he’s almost assuredly going to have an early role, it’s likely going to be off the bench at first," wrote Tynan. "Even if he does play alongside Paul and Vassell, his versatility should allow him to slot in however they need him."

Castle's role almost entirely depends on his ability to knock down shots. We already know that he will be a solid, if not elite, defender from day one, hounding opposing ball handlers. However, if he can be a serviceable catch-and-shoot threat, that will unlock the offense in many ways, as more seasoned ball handlers like Paul, Devin Vassell, and Tre Jones can run the offense and Castle can be a threat on the outside.

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If his shot is not NBA-ready, he can hone his on-ball skills with the second unit while Paul runs the show with the starters. However, regardless of what role Castle plays this season, in order for him to have long-term success with the Spurs, he will need to play next to Wembanyama for extended minutes.