The San Antonio Spurs have showcased their prowess in developing talent, securing the last two NBA Rookie of the Year awards. This season, while the latest recipient was not primarily recognized for defensive skills, Stephon Castle has emerged as a standout defender. His remarkable defensive transformation has become a focal point, as he effectively neutralizes some of the league’s top scorers.
Castle’s defensive performance this season has drawn notable attention, particularly highlighted by a viral post on X by SpursMuse. In a series of matchups, Castle has held elite players to strikingly low shooting percentages: Luka Doncic shot 2-10, Devin Booker 1-6, Jordan Poole 2-7, Amen Thompson 1-4, Michael Porter Jr. 2-7, Cam Thomas 1-4, Anthony Davis 0-2, and Cooper Flagg 0-3. His ability to dominate these matchups has made it difficult for opponents to find an offensive rhythm.
Since his rookie season, Castle has shown significant improvement in his defensive metrics. Last year, he recorded a -1.7 box-plus-minus and a defensive rating of 119. This season, however, he has raised his game to a 0.3 defensive box-plus-minus and a 110 defensive rating, showcasing his growth and commitment to enhancing his defensive contributions.
The Spurs collectively rank high on the defensive scale, allowing only 110.7 points per game, which is the fourth-lowest in the league, and they boast a defensive rating of 111.1. Much of this success is attributed to the rim protection provided by Victor Wembanyama, but Castle has proven to be an essential asset on the perimeter.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson has publicly endorsed Castle’s capacity to guard elite players, insisting that he will not shy away from these challenges. “He’s going to guard a ton of different premiere players on the other team,” Johnson stated after a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He believes Castle has the potential to significantly impact games on both ends of the court.
Castle has embraced this challenge with enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of defense in his overall game. “I take every game as a challenge, no matter who I’m matched up against,” he remarked, underscoring his focus and determination.
Currently, the Spurs hold a promising record of 7-2 this season. With Castle and Wembanyama leading the charge, along with the return of starting point guard De’Aaron Fox, the team appears well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead, despite the setback of rookie Dylan Harper’s calf injury.
Castle’s continuous improvement on the defensive front hints at a bright future for both him and the Spurs, suggesting they might be on a faster trajectory back to prominence in the league. The team is undoubtedly excited about the potential they are beginning to realize.