3 Overreactions to the San Antonio Spurs Preseason Games

The San Antonio Spurs lost their first preseason game of the season, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder, before beating the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz in their last two matchups.

Victor Wembanyama only played in one game, and 11 points in a 107-97 win over Orlando, and, unsurprisingly, the Spurs have relied on less proven talent in their matchups.

The preseason is ripe for overreaction, both positive and negative. While keeping in mind that success and failures are not guaranteed to translate to the regular season, some players have defied expectations, and there are already emerging storylines to look for as the Spurs prepare for the regular season. Here are three overreactions that might impact the regular season, once it starts.

1. Stephon Castle is really, really good

When the Spurs selected Stephon Castle fourth overall, the general expectation was that he would take a while to settle into his new role. He was, after all, an off-ball player at the University of Connecticut, and in the NBA he would be tasked with playing point guard.

So far, it looks like he's one of the best players on the Spurs' roster and is easily one of the best rookies in the draft class.

Of course, he's only played three games with the Silver and Black, but he has been efficient, remarkable on defense, and already had his fair share of highlight-worthy dunks. Between Wembanyama, Sochan, Johnson, and Castle, the worst place a defender can stand is right under the rim. They will be put on a poster.

The main concern with his game before he was drafted was his shooting, but he quickly dispelled any concerns fans might have had. Of course, he has only played three preseason games, which is why this falls into the "overreaction" category, but the Spurs seem to have once again drafted incredibly well.

Stephon Castle Stats

Against the Thunder in his preseason debut, he recorded five turnovers, but since then he has been as solid as a rock. If he can keep his scoring efficiency up, he will quickly become a candidate to take over in the starting lineup. The older Spurs like Harrison Barnes, Chris Paul, and even Wembanyama have all praised his poise, pace, and maturity.

He looks like a longtime veteran on the floor rather than a 19-year-old rookie. Based on limited preseason action, it seems like the Spurs got a good one.

2. Riley Minix is an elite shooter

After going undrafted out of Morehead State, it appeared that Riley Minix's basketball career was on the verge of ending. However, the Spurs signed him to their Summer League team, and he played so well that he earned a training camp contract. With one two-way spot remaining, Minix is the favorite to earn the contract, and there have been rumblings that the Spurs could waive someone and give him a full roster spot.

In the preseason, Minix is averaging 7.7 points in limited minutes, but he has made four of his seven threes. He doesn't mind contact, he moves well without the ball, and he can score from anywhere, which would give Wembanyama some relief on offense.

Gregg Popovich has praised Minix, calling him a "tough young man" and a "pleasant surprise."

In college, he shot only 34.9 percent from deep, compared to well over 50 percent in the preseason. If he can provide some range and offense off the bench, the Spurs will have a hard time justifying not giving him a roster spot.

3. Julian Champagnie is a starter

Last season, the Spurs opted to move Julian Champagnie into the starting lineup and relegated Keldon Johnson to the bench. He was clearly the fifth option in the starting lineup, but averaged a respectable 7.6 points and shot 35.8 percent from deep as a starter.

In the preseason, he has been the Spurs' best player, and it hasn't been close. In three games, he is averaging 16.3. points and has shot 48.1 percent from deep on substantial volume. He picked an excellent time to go on a heater, but with the mentorship from Harrison Barnes, it's safe to say that Champagnie's improvement could be the new normal.

His shooting is elite, and his defense, which was already solid, looks to be much improved from last season. The Spurs are expected to have a starting lineup of Paul, Devin Vassell, Barnes, Sochan, and Wembanyama, but Champagnie is making an argument to start in place of Vassell as he recovers from injury, and could push Barnes out of the lineup once Vassell returns.

Not only is Champagnie a deadeye shooter, but his off-ball movement has made him a favorite of Wembanyama. The second-year center is an underrated passer, but he has already found Champagnie for some excellent scoring opportunities.

Champagnie understands his role on the roster and has done an excellent job of allowing Wembanyama to get to the rim while standing in the right place, which has also created opportunities for Paul to find him.

At only 23 years old and under contract through 2026-27 (with a team option in the final year) he could be a cheap and effective player for the Spurs to trot out with their stars, as he understands that it's his job to hit shots, and he seems to be able to do that with ease.

Related: Chris Paul's Mentorship Rubbing Off on Young Spurs' Guards

The Spurs have only played three preseason games, so there is plenty of opportunity for Minix, Castle, and Champagnie to return to Earth, but it looks like the Spurs have done an excellent job of developing young talent and finding diamonds in the rough.