Despite losing both Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox for the season, the San Antonio Spurs have suddenly won three straight games and, while it probably hurts San Antonio’s long-term ceiling because it decreases its odds of landing a top-five pick in the deep upcoming NBA draft class, the win streak comes with one major bright spot: rookie Stephon Castle’s development.
The 2024 fourth overall pick is considered a core piece of the team’s future alongside Wembanyama and Fox, and since Wembanyama’s injury, he’s averaged 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His efficiency — 44.6% from the field, 28.0% from beyond the arc — hasn’t been incredible, but his intensity has helped lead the Spurs to the league’s fourth-best offensive rating in their past 10 games, a remarkable feat for a team missing its two best offensive players.
Unfortunately for San Antonio, Castle looks to be in danger of missing tomorrow’s game against the Detroit Pistons, as he’s been listed as questionable with a knee injury. He’s been remarkably durable throughout his rookie season, only missing one game, and he ultimately played despite being listed on the injury report prior to the March 10 game against the Dallas Mavericks.
If Castle is unable to go, the Spurs would likely start Julian Champagnie in his place, as they did on December 13 in the only game that the rookie missed. Chris Paul would continue to get the nod at point guard, with Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Bismack Biyombo in the front-court. Alternatively, San Antonio could go jumbo-sized and slide Vassell and Barnes each up a position, with Jeremy Sochan entering the lineup as the power forward.
