It’s not surprising for a young team like the San Antonio Spurs to fare poorly when it comes to defense. The team’s front office can remedy that predicament by considering UConn star Stephon Castle, a guard that boasts an upside similar to Marcus Smart.
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Hailing from Georgia, Castle committed to the UConn Huskies, the then-reigning and current two-time champion. Ranked as a 5-star combo guard in the high school class of 2023, the guard seemed destined for a potential one-and-done NBA career.
Standing at 6’6″, Castle possesses the physical profile of a typical NBA wing. His size and strength allow him to credibly play multiple positions, including point guard, shooting guard, and small forward, during his time with the Huskies.
While Castle’s on-ball skills show promise, he was not heavily utilized as a true point guard last season. He has a tight handle and shiftiness to create his own shot, but the lack of a reliable pull-up jumper has allowed defenses to go under screens and force him into crowded lanes.
However, Castle’s true strength lies on the defensive end. With a 6’9″ wingspan and an 8’6″ standing reach, he has the physical tools to match up against larger wings. his defensive prowess makes him a highly intriguing prospect in this year’s draft, especially when paired with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
San Antonio Spurs Projected To Select UConn’s Stephon Castle in 2024 NBA Draft
If head coach Greg Popovich wished to improve the Spurs’ defense, the front office must equip him with skilled players to play on that end of the court. In an article for Hoops Hype, Michael Sotto details why San Antonio must select Castle.
“Should San Antonio select Stephon Castle, the Spurs would get a tall and sturdy point guard who can attack downhill and defend at a high level, drawing comparisons to Marcus Smart from NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype. Whether Castle can stretch the floor consistently beyond the arc will be the swing skill that determines his career arc,” Sotto wrote.
As it stands, the Spurs ranked 22nd out of 30 teams when it came to defense last season. Even with the presence of a defensive ace like Wembanyama, other players in the lineup haven’t lived up to expectation. Hopefully, getting Castle can give San Antonio a defensive anchor in the backcourt like Memphis Grizzlies star Marcus Smart.
It remains to be seen whether San Antonio will use its fourth pick on Castle, go for someone else, or package it for a proven veteran. In any case, having Castle in the lineup will give the Spurs a lot of upside on defense.