Stephon Castle came into this season with huge expectations, especially with the San Antonio Spurs coming in with the goal of competing this year.
Castle has answered the bell, following up his Rookie of the Year campaign with an even better season. He’s averaging nearly 17 points per game, five rebounds, and seven assists on nearly 47 percent shooting.
His playmaking has taken a tremendous step forward and he has shown a great synergy with Victor Wembanyama in their two-man game. Castle’s command of the offense has pushed the Spurs forward and his elite defensive chops have led to San Antonio stifling most teams they play. However, there has been one knock on Castle that is holding him back from realizing his true potential.
If Stephon Castle can fix his jumper, he can elevate himself into the upper echelon of guards in the league
Castle struggled mightily with his jump shot last season. He shot only 29 percent from three-point range, only knocked down 33 percent of his pull-up mid-range jumpers, and 30 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes.
Additionally, having two other guards that also struggle shooting consistently in De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper raised questions about the Spurs’ guard rotation come playoff time. They rely on all three to handle the ball and create at a high-level, so if all three struggle shooting, then that would be a huge issue int he spring.
This season, the numbers are better for Castle. He is shooting 32 percent from three, knocking down 37 percent of his pull-up mid-range shots, and 35 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes. However, Castle has really turned a corner since February 1st.
He is knocking down 39 percent of his threes over the last month and a half on three attempts. He’s been able to hit his mid-range fadeaway from the corner a bit more consistently. He has shown more confidence from the perimeter overall, which has opened up his ability to get downhill.
Castle’s improved shooting is a welcome development for San Antonio. The question about them has been whether or not they have enough spacing around Wembaynama to succeed in a playoff environment is one that has been following them all season, so having him at least improve as the regular season comes to an end is a plus.
If Castle can keep shooting like this, along with all of the other things he does well, then the Spurs chances of winning a championship get that much higher.