For the vast majority of the 2024-25 NBA season, Stephon Castle has been the best rookie in the league. Averaging 14.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, he is the only rookie to score 1,000 points this season, and unless Zaccharie Risacher scores like prime Kevin Durant to close out the season, he will be the only rookie to pass that mark.
In March, he kicked his game to a new level, averaging 19.5 points and taking over as the lead defender in the Spurs' starting lineup. For his continued improvement over the season, the NBA awarded him with his second Rookie of the Month nod.
The Western Conference @Kia Rookie of the Month for March is Stephon Castle! #KiaROTMpic.twitter.com/OlzsKOZ3ur
— NBA (@NBA) April 1, 2025
Castle won the award in January, and Risacher, who won it for the Eastern Conference, has taken home honors in the last two months. However, with Rookie of the Year being a season award and not based on a final stretch, Castle remains a heavy favorite to win the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy.
However, heading into the Spurs' most recent loss to the Orlando Magic, winning individual accolades was the furthest thing from his mind.
"I really wasn't focused on that heading into the game," said Castle of the award. "I know their team didn't care about that at all."
Related: San Antonio Spurs Lose to Orlando Magic in Abysmal Fourth Quarter
While Hawks' fans are pushing for Risacher to win ROTY over Castle, his averages over the last two months have been worse than Castle's season averages, although the first overall pick is a better shooter.
For now, Castle has -1200 odds to win, according to FanDuel.
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 2:28 PM.