Wembanyama’s brazen Stephon Castle statement says it all
“He 100% deserved to be the number one pick, but I’m so glad he wasn’t,” Victor Wembanyama advised the Amazon Prime studio crew about 2024’s fourth general choose, Stephon Castle, after the Spurs downed the Hornets 115-102. The reigning Rookie of the Year dropped 15 factors, 10 assists, and seven rebounds whereas enjoying some distinctive protection on all of Charlotte’s finest perimeter guys.
Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppal, and LaMelo Ball all had hassle on the offensive finish when the youthful half of Area 51 was plastered to their chests. He’s been doing this all yr. He’s been referred to as an All-Defense first-team-caliber participant by a number of analysts and media members at this level. It does not matter the problem; Steph steps up and makes life depressing for a number of the league’s finest.
As great as he’s on that facet of the ground, he is much more spectacular on the offensive finish contemplating he allegedly wasn’t supposed to be this good. When you place the whole bundle collectively—he is taking pictures 42% 3PT in March—we’re taking a look at a bona fide star proper now.
Castle has already reached NBA stardom
This might be solidified as soon as he provides a couple of playoff highlights to his resume whereas delivering some big-time performances on the league’s largest phases, however the ability degree is already there. The former UConn champion hit the bottom working in San Antonio; he gained notoriety in final season’s dunk contest and gained ROY pretty simply. Everything has solely been up from there.
Castle is getting higher quick. He’s gone from averaging 4.1 assists to 7, inserting himself tenth within the league in that class. The hesi-stepping sophomore is seeing the ground like a veteran and doing superior reads. He’s breaking down defenses, hitting skip passes, and orchestrating the offense like he is been doing it for a decade.
His 40-point triple-double was no mistake, and the 30-point triple-double he simply had in opposition to the Nuggets was a testomony to how deep he can dig when his staff wants him. They did not provide you with that victory in opposition to Denver, however it took a Herculean effort from among the finest gamers this sport has ever seen for that to be the case.
Every night time, Castle matches up with the most effective offensive participant on the opposing staff. That may very well be Steph Curry or Luka Doncic; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Kevin Durant. It does not matter.
More instances than not, Castle is shoving them within the dungeon whereas successfully carving up their protection on the opposite facet. He’s a particular, particular expertise, and if the Hawks had one other shot at that draft, they’d be silly to not take him.
