Castle's Second Season: A Crowded Backcourt, One Big Question

By the Spurs Nightly Desk · Sunday, September 20

Stephon Castle posted 16.7 points a night last season, with 7.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds alongside it, while starting across every spot in San Antonio's backcourt. He returns for year two on a modest deal, now sharing that backcourt with De'Aaron Fox and rookie Dylan Harper, both added to the mix since last season ended.

Stephon Castle of the Spurs — Stephon Castle. Photo: The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

What did Stephon Castle actually do last season?

Castle played 68 games at 30.0 minutes, posting 16.7 points, 7.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds a night. He shot 47.1 percent from the floor and 33.2 percent from three on 3.6 attempts, with a 73.4 percent free-throw mark and a 57.5 percent true-shooting mark that ranked among the better efficiency numbers on the team. His assist total led San Antonio's returning guards, evidence he already ran real offense as a rookie.

What do the advanced numbers say about his growth?

San Antonio's net rating was 9.8 points better with Castle on the floor, built on a 118.2 offensive rating against a 108.4 defensive mark. His 34.4 percent assist rate and 24.3 percent usage show a player trusted to create, not just finish plays, even while turning it over 3.2 times a game.

How does De'Aaron Fox's arrival change his job?

Fox now holds the ball as San Antonio's lead guard, and Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick, adds another ball-handler to the group. Castle ran point himself for long stretches last season; this year likely asks him to share that job, lean on his size defensively, and score without the ball in his hands as often.

Is Castle's contract a concern?

No. Castle is set to earn $10.0 million this season and $12.7 million in 2027-28, modest money next to Fox's $49.8 million and Devin Vassell's $27.0 million. The deal gives San Antonio room while he keeps developing, with no near-term decision forcing the front office's hand.

Is Castle healthy right now?

Yes. Castle is not listed on the injury report, one of the few Spurs guards who enters camp with a clean bill of health right now. He should be available for the full preseason slate and the regular-season opener against Oklahoma City on October 20, barring a new issue.

The verdictCastle proved as a rookie he can run an NBA offense; the test this season is proving he can be just as effective without the ball in his hands, playing beside Fox rather than instead of him.

What is Stephon Castle's role with the Spurs this season?

He projects as a starting guard sharing playmaking duties with De'Aaron Fox, rather than running the offense alone the way he did as a rookie.

How much is Stephon Castle making this season?

Castle is set to earn $10.0 million in 2026-27, with his salary rising to $12.7 million the following season.