“He 100% deserved to be the number one pick, but I’m so glad he wasn’t,” Victor Wembanyama instructed the Amazon Prime studio crew about 2024’s fourth total decide, Stephon Castle, after the Spurs downed the Hornets 115-102. The reigning Rookie of the Year dropped 15 factors, 10 assists, and seven rebounds whereas enjoying some distinctive protection on all of Charlotte’s greatest perimeter guys.
Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppal, and LaMelo Ball all had hassle on the offensive finish when the youthful half of Area 51 was plastered to their chests. He’s been doing this all 12 months. He’s been referred to as an All-Defense first-team-caliber participant by a number of analysts and media members at this level. It does not matter the problem; Steph steps up and makes life depressing for among the league’s greatest.
As great as he’s on that aspect of the ground, he is much more spectacular on the offensive finish contemplating he allegedly wasn’t supposed to be this good. When you place the whole bundle collectively—he is capturing 42% 3PT in March—we’re a bona fide star proper now.
Castle has already reached NBA stardom
This will likely be solidified as soon as he provides a couple of playoff highlights to his resume whereas delivering some big-time performances on the league’s greatest phases, however the talent stage is already there. The former UConn champion hit the bottom operating in San Antonio; he gained notoriety in final season’s dunk contest and gained ROY pretty simply. Everything has solely been up from there.
Castle is getting higher quick. He’s gone from averaging 4.1 assists to 7, inserting himself tenth within the league in that class. The hesi-stepping sophomore is seeing the ground like a veteran and making superior reads. He’s breaking down defenses, hitting skip passes, and orchestrating the offense like he is been doing it for a decade.
His 40-point triple-double was no mistake, and the 30-point triple-double he simply had towards the Nuggets was a testomony to how deep he can dig when his group wants him. They did not provide you with that victory towards Denver, however it took a Herculean effort from probably the greatest gamers this recreation has ever seen for that to be the case.
Every night time, Castle matches up with the perfect offensive participant on the opposing group. That may very well be Steph Curry or Luka Doncic; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Kevin Durant. It does not matter.
More occasions than not, Castle is shoving them within the dungeon whereas successfully carving up their protection on the opposite aspect. He’s a particular, particular expertise, and if the Hawks had one other shot at that draft, they’d be silly to not take him.
