Draymond Green's Bold Statement on Spurs Rookie Stephon Castle

According to Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, there's a clear Rookie of the Year favorite

Mar 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

SAN ANTONIO — Draymond Green had a feeling about San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle. It took him just one game.

"After we played them, I was saying: ‘I think that kid is going to be real,’" Green said on a recent episode of his podcast. "When I look at the rookie class, he’s been the most consistent player all year."

If he had a ballot for this season's Rookie of the Year Award?

“I think he should (win it),” Green said of Castle.

𝟏𝐤 for the rook ⭐️@StephonCastle is the first rookie this season to hit 1,000 career points! pic.twitter.com/SixCTMtcgz

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 28, 2025

This season, Castle has stepped into a larger role than even he expected. At first, his ideal trajectory was to back up Chris Paul until he reached a point of taking over, but with his style of play, the two were able to play beside one another; Castle could also share the court with De'Aaron Fox.

That much proved helpful with as many injuries as the Spurs have dealt with.

Nov 23, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles in front of San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

“Stephon Castle has had games that jump off the page," Green said, "but I mean, the whole body of work, there’s no rookie averaging 20 points; you haven’t seen that. His consistency all year is what makes him the Rookie of the Year.”

With just a handful of games remaining in the year, Castle looks poised to make the Spurs one of four teams in NBA history to have back-to-back Rookie of the Year Award recipients.

The race hasn't been called, yet, but if you asked Green, he'd likely have a feeling.

Related Articles

What Does Grizzlies' Taylor Jenkins Firing Mean for Spurs?

In Face of Adversity, Spurs Turn to Hardwood ‘Sanctuary’

Sandro Mamukelashvili Reminds Spurs What Winning Feels Like