One thing may prevent a Spurs rookie from running away with Rookie of the Year

Although he was taking fourth overall in the 2024 NBA draft, expectations for San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle have been relatively measured. Few doubt his talent but with him unlikely to start full-time, there is a chance that he may struggle to make a huge impact in his first year in the NBA.

However, with his play during the preseason, coupled with an injury to starting shooting guard Devin Vassell, Castle may play a bigger role than initially expected. That would give him a chance to become the second Spurs player in as many years to win Rookie of the Year.

"It's only the preseason," caveat aside, the results have been encouraging thus far. Castle has shown that he can be a pest defensively and better than advertised offensively. Offensively, he's proven that he is a far better ball handler than he was given credit for. Coach Gregg Popovich also praised his defense, which is saying something considering that he is a defensive coach.

Stephon Castle looks like a Rookie of the Year candidate for the San Antonio Spurs.

He looks comfortable utilizing screens to create advantages and separation between him and his man and even using hesitation dribbles to throw off his defenders timing when driving. In some ways, he's similar to teammate Chris Paul in that regard and Paul praised his ability to attack the rack.

If his preseason play is any indication, then he may be more impactful than first thought and may even start at shooting guard for the first month of the season. He may not put up traditional Rookie of the Year numbers but given that there is no clear frontrunner, he might have a good chance to win.

The one thing that may prevent Stephon Castle from running away with Rookie of the Year

Although his 3-point shooting has looked good thus far, hitting 42.8% of his threes in the first three games, it is a big question mark. Even if he starts and later settles into a key bench role, he may only get a few chances to score, so he will need to be efficient.

His attacking the rim will lead to high-percentage looks and even free throws, with him drawing an impressive 4.6 per game off the bench so far in the preseason. That is all well and good, but whether he will carve out a big immediate role will rest on how he is able to play alongside Victor Wembanyama.

A spaced floor for Wembamyama is key to maximizing both his and the Spurs' offensive potential. If Castle can shoot a respectable percentage, then he should have no problem earning minutes. If he can't, then he will still play, but perhaps not enough to contend seriously for Rookie of the Year.