The Spurs are aiming to rise this season and make it to the playoffs, but the challenge is significant due to the fierce competition in the Western Conference, where numerous strong teams vie for playoff spots. Even the Suns' trio of stars can only manage to rank tenth in the West, while the Warriors sit at eleventh. The Spurs have a record of 19 wins and 20 losses, placing them twelfth in the West. To enter the Western Conference play-in tournament area, the Spurs must surpass both the Suns and the Warriors, a task that is easier said than done. Recently, there has been a remarkable breakout from a Spurs rookie, who has been averaging 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Coach Popovich's decision to bet on this player seems to have paid off, and the guidance of Paul has helped him quickly emerge as a key player.
Currently, the most consistent performer for the Spurs is undoubtedly the first overall pick, Wenyamata, who averages 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 4.0 blocks (leading the league) per game. Wenyamata has shown significant improvement in scoring this season, with impressive three-point shooting and steadily improving mid-to-long-range shooting efficiency. His defensive blocking ability is particularly sharp, even stronger than last season when he averaged 3.6 blocks per game, leading the league. This season, he maintains an average of 4 blocks per game, significantly ahead of other players.
The Spurs rely on Wenyamata for their interior game and on Paul and Castle for their perimeter play. Paul represents the present, while Castle is the future. Currently, Paul is the starting point guard for the Spurs, and with him on the court, young players like Wenyamata and Castle can grow rapidly. Castle has spent half of his time this season as a starter and the other half as a substitute, with the coaching staff of Popovich making reasonable arrangements for him. Standing at 2.01 meters tall and weighing 95 kilograms, Castle is versatile, capable of dribbling, passing, organizing, and possesses solid defensive skills.
According to official reports from the Spurs' journalists, Castle has been averaging 24.5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in his recent two starts. In the game against the Grizzlies, he scored efficiently with 26 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Against the Lakers, he went 10 for 16 from the field, scoring 23 points with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. This marks the first time Castle has scored over 20 points in consecutive games since joining the Spurs, a very commendable achievement.
Previously, Castle typically scored around ten points per game with the Spurs, occasionally reaching over 20 points. However, as the regular season progresses, Castle has gradually adapted to the NBA game rhythm, playing better, scoring more consistently, and with greater efficiency. Paul also mentioned in an interview that Castle's ability to read the game has been improving, describing him as a player who is good at tapping into his potential and is full of energy. For young players, it is crucial to play with confidence, and both Wenyamata and Castle have done so this season, delivering excellent statistics and performances that build their confidence.
Popovich once stated in an interview that Castle has the potential to become Paul's successor and could develop into a guard like Alexander. In the past, when Paul was with the Thunder, he helped Alexander enhance his abilities. Now, Castle also has the potential to become an All-Star level guard, being humble and eager to learn, enjoying partnering with Paul to increase his game-reading skills and gain more experience on the court. In the latest issue of the NBA rookie rankings, Castle remains at the top. The Spurs coaching staff is now grooming Castle as a potential second core player for the future. Do you think Castle will become an All-Star guard?
