“His production and efficiency dropped across the board from November to December,” posted NBA.com.
SAN ANTONIO — After being ranked No. 1 on the NBA Rookie Ladder a week ago, San Antonio Spurs‘ rookie Stephon Castle fell from the top 3 to No. 4.
The latest edition includes Pelican’s Yves Missi (No.1), Wizards’ Alex Sarr, and Memphis’s Zach Edey (No. 3), followed by Castle.
“His production and efficiency dropped across the board from November to December, taking his Ladder ranking with them,” NBA.com posted. “But his confidence might get a boost from the 15 points, 5-of-8 shooting, four boards and four assists he got in the Spurs’ 2024 finale, Tuesday’s blowout of the Clippers.”
Castle certainly has slowed his on-court production. In his last three games, he averaged 7.0 points per game, including 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 16.6 minutes.
However, this might be because the Spurs have had him come off the bench since Devin Vassell’s return, which might have impacted his rhythm, or he might have hit the proverbial “rookie wall.”
“Everybody goes through it. I’ve talked to Vic (Victor Wembanyama) about it plenty of times. Not only Vic, but coaches, and my other teammates. Everybody goes through it,” Castle said. “The good thing about the NBA is you have multiple games to redeem yourself.”
Statistically, Castle starting or coming off the bench is a stark contrast.
In 17 starts, Castle has averaged 14.6 points per game, 2.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 40% shooting in 30.5 minutes.
In 15 games off the bench, he has averaged 6.9 points per game, 2.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 36% shooting in 18.9 minutes.
Sure, minutes on the court matter, but there’s something to be said about Castle in the starting unit.
However, the rookie guard’s priority is being ready and playing defense whenever his number is called on or off the bench.
“It really doesn’t matter when you come in,” he said. “My mindset is just to focus on our defensive game plan.”
Castle remains one of the best rookies in his draft class. He is tied for No. 1 in steals at 0.8 per game and in total steals (27). He’s also second in assists per game at 3.6 and in total assists (115).