Spurs’ Stephon Castle Struggles Amid Rookie Slump, Spurs Face Playoff Hurdles

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Stephon Castle, the San Antonio Spurs‘ fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, has hit a rough patch in his rookie season, raising questions about his development and the team’s playoff aspirations. The Spurs, currently sitting at 11th in the Western Conference, have struggled to maintain consistency, with Castle’s recent performances emblematic of their challenges.

Castle returned to the starting lineup in two of the Spurs’ last four games due to an injury to Jeremy Sochan but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. In those games, he shot a dismal 25 percent from the floor and made just one of nine three-point attempts. His defensive lapses further compounded the team’s woes, as the Spurs managed only one win in their last four outings—a victory over the Denver Nuggets—while suffering losses to the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

The rookie’s struggles come after a promising start to the season. Earlier, Castle averaged 14.6 points and 4.5 assists over 17 games as a starter while Sochan recovered from a broken finger. During that stretch, he shot 40 percent from the floor and 31 percent from beyond the arc, showing flashes of potential that exceeded expectations for a player from a widely criticized draft class. However, since returning to a bench role, his production has plummeted, with his three-point shooting dropping to 20 percent over the past week.

“It’s not surprising to see a rookie hit a wall,” said one NBA analyst. “Castle wasn’t projected to be a sharpshooter, but his early success raised expectations. Now, he’s adjusting to the grind of an NBA season.”

The Spurs’ overall performance has mirrored Castle’s inconsistency. Predicted to win around 34 games this season, the team has exceeded expectations at times, posting an 18-19 record near the halfway point. However, injuries to key players and the absence of legendary head coach Gregg Popovich have taken a toll. Despite the emergence of Victor Wembanyama as a superstar and the steady contributions of veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, the Spurs have struggled to maintain momentum.

“We’re a young team, and young teams have ups and downs,” said a Spurs insider. “The early success raised the bar, but we’re still building. It’s important to keep perspective.”

Castle’s recent slump has also impacted his standing in the NBA Rookie of the Year race. Once a frontrunner, he has dropped to fifth in the latest Kia Rookie Ladder rankings, trailing Alexandre Sarr, Yves Missi, Jaylen Wells, and Zach Edey. While his defensive versatility and athleticism remain bright spots, his shooting woes have overshadowed his potential.

Despite the challenges, there is optimism about Castle’s future. His ability to handle the ball and create opportunities in pick-and-roll situations has impressed coaches, and his athleticism suggests room for growth. “He’s learning,” said a Spurs assistant coach. “The NBA is a tough league, but he’s shown he belongs.”

For the Spurs, the season remains a transitional one. With a roster in flux and a road-heavy schedule ahead, the team is focused on development rather than immediate success. While the playoffs may be out of reach, the foundation is being laid for future contention. As for Castle, his rookie struggles are a reminder that growth takes time—a lesson the Spurs and their fans are learning together.