The NBA has announced Stephon Castle to the All-Rookie First Team. It's really a formality for the young guard. He's [already won Rookie of the Year,](https://airalamo.com/stephon-castle-savage-roy-reaction-spurs-drafted-killer) so making the first team was a foregone conclusion. His inaugural season was filled with vicious dunks, relentless effort, and tough defense. He made big shots in several games and often injected energy into a young Spurs team.
Castle finished the season averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. That led all rookies, but he finished the season even stronger than that, especially considering he spent much of March and April without De'Aaron Fox, and all of it without Victor Wembanyama. Over the final two months of the season, he averaged 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.
[Castle's biggest issue is efficiency,](https://airalamo.com/outrageous-castle-revelation-benefits-spurs-know) but that's par for the course for young guards. Most of them struggle with efficiency. He was consistent, big in big moments, and played had more responsibility than most of his peers, as the Spurs put the ball in his hands and asked him to grow fast. He did that, and fans should expect the trend to continue. He's already addressing his biggest weakness.
If Castle develops a deadly jumper he becomes unstoppable
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Stephon Castle would not have received one-half of the Area 51 nickname had he not earned it. Players don't just get pseudonyms without good reason, especially rookies. There's a reason why the Sacramento Kings tried so hard to get the Spurs to include him in the deal at the deadline that brought Fox to Alamo City, and there's a reason Brian Wright said no.
Remember the reaction to that revelation? Analysts and fans alike were flabbergasted, and fans of the Silver and Black laughed at everyone because the danger of leaving that player in South Texas to grow with the Alien is real.
There are warnings all over the place, whether it be the fact that Castle can defend the perimeter at such a high level or his relentless rim pressure that pairs well with Wembanyama's outside game. Vic is going to get stronger, which will lead to more dominance in the interior, too. If Castle improves his shooting, their interchangeability will put inconceivable pressure on defenses.
Space is the name of the game, and they can both eat it up. I foresee a lot of collapsing, resulting in open shots. Of course, Castle has to continue to put in the work, but nothing in his character suggests he'd get complacent. This kid is a worker and a winner. He showed it in his approach to his rookie season, and you see what that led to. This is only the beginning.