Since the Spurs drafted him in 2024, it has been undeniable that Stephon Castle has been a force of nature. Last season, on a Spurs team that finished with 48 losses and injuries to star players Victor Wembanyama and DeAaron Fox, the UConn guard had an opportunity to shine and took it. Castle would go on to win the Rookie of the Year award. He would also finish the season with one turnover for every two assists.
The Highs of Stephon Castle
Through athleticism, strength, size, and skill, Stephon Castle’s upside is immense. In just his second year, he’s averaging 16.7 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. This places him as, by far, one of the best third options in the entire league.
Castle regularly finds himself creating impressive highlights on a nightly basis, especially at the rim.
Castle has shown his ability to score inside, but this season, his three-point shooting has improved. In his rookie campaign, Stephon shot 28.5% from three. In his sophomore year, he’s improved it to 33.2%. While still not ideal, it’s much better to be an average shooter than a liability from beyond the arc.
…and The Lows
Stephon Castle has combined for 20 turnovers in the first two games of the Western Conference Finals. You read that right. Twenty. Not only is this a playoff record, but his 11-turnover Game 1 performance marks the most he’s had in any game of his young career. It’s no secret among NBA fans who view games regularly that Stephon can be a little… frustrating to watch.
Stephon Castle being called a ‘big guard’ is an understatement. Castle brings a level of athleticism rarely seen in this league, comparable to Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook. Could it be that ‘big guards’ have a perspective different from that of the traditional guards? Does Castle believe his height allows riskier overhead passes? Based on his play, it seems like it.
In the 2025-26 season, Stephon Castle had 21 games in which he finished with five or more turnovers. That’s 30.8% of the 68 games he played.
It doesn’t take much ball knowledge to understand why the third option, Castle, shouldn’t be seventh in the league in turnovers. Ranking above Castle are the likes of Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham, two of the most ball-dominant players in the league. Think about that: A player who carries the ball less often than LaMelo Ball averages more turnovers per game. In almost every case of a player having a high number of turnovers, it comes down to volume and time with the ball.
So, how does Castle find himself in the same group? Perhaps the rest of the Western Conference Finals will provide more answers.
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