{"id":125971,"date":"2025-02-27T12:38:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=125971"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:38:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:38:08","slug":"time-for-the-spurs-to-reverse-their-stephon-castle-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/27\/time-for-the-spurs-to-reverse-their-stephon-castle-decision\/","title":{"rendered":"Time For The Spurs To Reverse Their Stephon Castle Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

The San Antonio Spurs<\/a> entered the season with playoff ambitions. They added<\/a> veterans like Chris Paul<\/a> and Harrison Barnes<\/a> to support Victor Wembanyama<\/a>. The goal was clear: accelerate the rebuild and compete. However, things did not go as planned. Gregg Popovich suffered a minor stroke, forcing him to step away<\/a>. Then, Wembanyama was ruled<\/a> out for the season due to thrombosis. These setbacks have derailed the Spurs’ postseason hopes. Without Wemby, their record stands at 3-8<\/a>, and they have dropped to 13th<\/a> in the Western Conference. Catching the 10th-seeded Sacramento Kings<\/a> is now highly unlikely. Given these circumstances, the Spurs must shift focus. Instead of chasing wins, they should prioritize player development. That starts with the Spurs reversing their decision to bench Stephon Castle.<\/a><\/p>\n

Time For The Spurs To Reverse Their Stephon Castle Decision<\/h2>\n

Why Castle Must Start Now<\/h3>\n

The Spurs drafted Castle with the fourth pick for a reason. He has one of the highest ceilings in the 2024 draft class. Scouts have compared him to Jrue Holiday,<\/a> a two-time NBA champion and elite defender. Pairing Castle with De’Aaron Fox<\/a> in the backcourt now will fast-track their chemistry. When Wembanyama returns, they could form a dominant trio.<\/p>\n

Castle has already shown flashes of stardom. He played a key role in the Spurs’ push for a play-in spot before Wemby’s injury. His MVP<\/a> performance in the Rising Stars game proved he can shine on big stages. Yet, despite his talent, the Spurs have kept him in a bench role. That must change.<\/p>\n

The Rookie of the Year Race<\/h3>\n

Castle is the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. The 2024 draft class lacks a clear-cut superstar, and Castle has led the Kia Rookie Ladder more than any other player.<\/p>\n

His biggest competition, Jared McCain<\/a>, suffered an injury that hurt his chances. Other top rookies face challenges:<\/p>\n