Stephon Castle Reveals Key to Defending Victor Wembanyama

The reigning Rookie of the Year explained how he would stop Wembanyama if he had the chance.

Dec 8, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Stephon Castle (5) walk toward the bench in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle has emerged as a foundational piece for the organization fairly quickly.

In his Rookie of the Year campaign in the 2024-2025 season, Castle showcased a versatile skillset on both sides of the ball and made an immediate impact on a Spurs team that needed a boost in the backcourt.

David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Victor Wembanyama congratulate Stephon Castle on winning Rookie of the Year. 👏

(via @Spurs_Latam)

pic.twitter.com/pR4NAXCXUc

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 30, 2025

Castle entered the NBA with a decorated resumé from his lone season at the University of Connecticut, where he was one of the top players in their 2024 NCAA National Championship run.

That success seamlessly transferred over to the NBA, where he received 92 out of the 100 first-place votes for Rookie of the Year and earned an NBA All-Rookie First Team nod.

Castle's Fit With Wembanyama

Nov 27, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard Stephon Castle (5) in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

San Antonio's crowded backcourt has been the talk of the offseason regarding the organization. The fact that the team picked Dylan Harper, a dynamic guard, with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft this past June was a worry because they already had Castle and De'Aaron Fox, who had just been extended.

This shouldn't be an issue.

Castle's ability to play both on and off the ball provides the Spurs with excellent offensive flexibility, and as a primary ball-handler, Castle can create scoring opportunities for others, taking a lot of offensive pressure off superstar Victor Wembanyama.

Stephon Castle downhill scoring pic.twitter.com/3oBkOlnV3H

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) May 13, 2025

In an interview with Athlon Sports, Castle commented on how he would guard Wembanyama if the opportunity came about.

“Try and keep him on the perimeter. I mean, he could shoot over, but, I mean, it’s easier [to defend] than a paint jump shot for him or a drop step. So just try and get into his legs from the perimeter. That’s probably your best bet,” Castle said.

Castle's Impressive Rookie Season

Apr 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) looks on during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

There is a reason the Spurs would rather not include Stephon Castle in any major trades this offseason.

Defensively, Castle is considered a strong perimeter defender, and his size and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, which is crucial alongside a dominant interior presence in Wembanyama.

Stephon Castle decel game pic.twitter.com/Lzhrb0VP0e

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) February 11, 2025

Castle played in 81 games in the 2024-2025 season, starting in 47 of them, and led all rookies in scoring, averaging 14.7 points per game.

After the All-Star break, he took another leap. Castle increased his averages to 17.8 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, solidifying his case for Rookie of the Year and showcasing that he can be a primary contributor on the Spurs moving forward, even with Harper and Fox in the backcourt.

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