Inside The Spurs

Spurs Rookie Stephon Castle Joins Historic NBA All-Star List

San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle earned the Rising Stars MVP Friday night, but his weekend is far from over
Matt Guzman|
Feb 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Team C guard Stephon Castle (5) of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the 2025 NBA Rising Stars Game at Chase Center.
Feb 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Team C guard Stephon Castle (5) of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the 2025 NBA Rising Stars Game at Chase Center. | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

In this story:

San Antonio Spurs

Stephon Castle's first night at NBA All-Star was a success, but he's far from done with festivities in San Francisco this weekend.

Friday evening, Castle was among the pool of Rising Stars — split into two teams — selected to compete against each other with a spot in the new All-Star Game format at stake. At the end of the night, he was the first sole Rising Stars MVP with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Beyond that, Castle also joined Blake Griffin as the first player since his run in 2011 to participate in an event on each day of the weekend. Saturday, Castle will join Matas Buzelis, Andre Jackson Jr. and Mac McClung in the NBA's annual Dunk Contest before participating in the newly formatted All-Star game as a member of Candace Parker's Rising Stars.

After his performance on Friday, the rookie made sure to give flowers to his mentor, Chris Paul.

"He's been a mentor for me," Castle said. "Great teammate, a friend. He doesn't only help me on the court, but off the court. I have the most respect for C.P. and for what he's done for me this year.

"He's been a great confidence builder for me."

Thanks, in part, to Paul, Castle is the league's frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, and is certainly making his case stronger as the weekend progresses.

Related Articles

De'Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama Spearhead Spurs' New Era

Breaking Down San Antonio Spurs After NBA Trade Deadline

How Spurs' Stephon Castle Proved De'Aaron Fox Right

Published
Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI. In the world of professional sports, he’s a firm believer that athletes are people, too. He aims to spotlight the true, behind-the-scenes character of players and teams through strong narrative writing and sharp, hooking ledes.

Share on XFollow mattgzman
Home/News