When the news broke over All-Star Weekend that Victor Wembanyama would be shut down for the season with a deep vein thrombosis injury, it was immediately apparent that any hope the San Antonio Spurs had of making the postseason was ruined. He was easily the best player on the roster and a top-ten player in the league, and losing him marked the unofficial end to the season.
Even with De'Aaron Fox (who would also later be shut down) added to the roster, the Spurs simply couldn't keep up with even the middling teams in the Western Conference.
However, amid their fall from the Play-In Tournament standings, one clear truth has been revealed that should dictate their roster moves this summer and help cement next season's lineup in stone.
Stephon Castle Has Proven That He Is a Starter
Since Wembanyama was sidelined for the season, rookie Stephon Castle has unlocked a new level of talent, averaging 17.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, four assists, and 1.2 steals in his last 17 games. Granted, his shooting still needs work, but he came off the bench in 12 of those contests.
Since the Spurs announced that Fox would miss the rest of the season after undergoing finger surgery, Castle has been the best player on the roster. It stands to reason that between their own and a pick owed to them from the Atlanta Hawks, the Spurs will add two talented youngsters this summer, but Castle needs to be a part of the starting lineup.
Harrison Barnes, Devin Vassell, and even Jeremy Sochan can all come off the bench next season if the Spurs add win-now talent this summer, but Castle has demonstrated that he can play either guard position, he can get to the rim, and he plays with the confidence of an established veteran. What he lacks in shooting he more than makes up for with his defense and physicality, and he certainly belongs in a starting five even once Fox and Wembanyama return.
On the roster, Wembanyama is the only true "untouchable" player, but Castle is the next closest. He and Wemby flashed some chemistry earlier on in the season, and now that the rookie has taken on an on-court leadership role, his talents have only increased.
Related: Castle and Sochan Push Spurs Past Depleted 76ers
Thanks to his time mentoring under Chris Paul, Castle can slot in as either a shooting or point guard next season and will give the Spurs a much-improved defense.
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 4:43 PM.