STUMP STORY OF THE DAY
The Perfect Fit: Steph is a Spur
UConn Star Stephon Castle went with the 4th overall selection in last nights NBA draft, find out why we LOVE the fit in San Antonio.
When you look at Stephon Castle’s 2023-24 statistics with UConn it’s easy not to be blown away. He averaged about 11 points, 5 rebounds, a 3 assists. Not bad for a freshman but not elite level, on paper. Castle bounced back from an early season knee injury that sidelined him for most of the non-conference schedule. When he returned, he was still a freshman that at times, did not really seem comfortable.
When Castle got going, so did UConn. He was a key cog in the offense that allowed guys like Cam Spencer and Tristan Newton to play off the ball on offense. He has elite athleticism, elite defensive skills, and a silky smooth ability to get to the rim. He’s incredibly powerful for his age, and looks that of a 25 year old, not a 19 year old. Castle took on the defensive assignment of the opposing teams primary scorer every time he was on the floor. Something that isn’t easy to do. Castle is an elite level player who can effect the game in so many ways.
Great. But why does he fit so well in San Antonio?
What Castle needs is time. His offensive game, specifically his long range shooting, needs work. He needs to get more confident in his shot and be able to be a real threat to score with the ball in his hands if he wants to be an elite level talent. While he’s learning that, however, he will still be extremely valuable in the lineup. He has elite size for a guard, he can pass like a true floor general, he can play defense on multiple positions, and has the ability to switch onto bigger players in pick and role situations.
In San Antonio, he gets to learn from one of the greatest minds the game has ever seen in Greg Popovich, along with joining an established culture and organization who knows how to win. Very similar to what he joined with Dan Hurley and UConn.
And oh yeah, he gets paired with one of the most talented young players this game has ever seen, Victor Wembenyama. Castle’s passing skills and Wemby’s ability to finish around the rim and catch lobs makes this duo pretty scary.
I also think this pick says a lot about the change of perspective in San Antonio. For a long time when the Spurs were one of the best teams in the NBA with their big 3 of Manu, Tony Parker, and Tim Duncan, the team was the opposite of athletic, but extremely fundamental. Now, Pops roster is unbelievably athletic and full of guys who can wow you with their jumping and movement skills.
It also shows San Antonio’s commitment to the long haul. While Wemby is obviously already a freak, pairing him with Castle allows them to grow together, learn together, and hopefully, succeed together. We’re a long way away from the times of the Spurs passing the ball 20 times before someone takes a damn shot. They have athletes, and really good ones too.
I can’t think of a better situation for Stephon Castle to land in. He will be given time to learn under one of the best coaches to ever do it, his passing ability with be imperative for the growth of Wemby, he gets to join a proven winning culture, he gets to be closer to his home of Covington, Georgia, and he fits the need of the team. Plug and play guy.
To add on, Pop already has the blueprint.
Think of this: when was the last time the Spurs picked a highly talented perimeter defender, who struggled from behind the three point line, but has unreal athletic ability and can create his own shot and finish at the rim, who’s from a school with a rich basketball history and a culture of winning?
You guessed it: Kawhi Leonard.
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