Whenever anyone discusses the San Antonio Spurs and their potential for greatness this season and in the years to come, the conversation immediately shifts towards Victor Wembanyama , who has become the most captivating player in the league due to his tremendous combination of size, skill, and grace.
With the Frenchman showing incredible commitment to the game by immersing himself in various disciplines this past season in an effort to not only build his foundation and avoid the injuries that have plagued him in the past, but also to diversify his game and become a more complete player, it's no surprise that he has become the center of attention for many NBA fans.
However, while Wembanyama is undoubtedly an important asset for the Spurs, it would be unfair to overlook the impact of other players on their team. One player in particular who often goes underappreciated is second-year guard and the reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle .
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green heaped praise on the 6'6" combo guard, proclaiming that Castle holds the keys to the Spurs' success this season just as much as Wembanyama.
Many expected the Spurs to be a good team. With Castle, Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox and this year's second overall pick, Dylan Harper , they have a treasure trove of talent. However, for the Spurs to hold a 19-7 record and the fourth seed in the loaded Western Conference despite Wembanyama missing 13 games due to a calf injury is mighty impressive.
Green said the play of Castle has a lot to do with that, and fans must give him his due.
"The person who gets the least amount of credit — or not necessarily the least amount of credit — but I think the Spurs are just as lucky to have Stephon Castle as they are to have Wemby," he said on his podcast.
The Spurs haven't seen much success recently, with their last playoff appearance dating back to 2019. However, Green noted that Castle has instilled a winning mindset within the franchise.
"Stephon Castle is a winner. He's been a winner his entire life, and I think Stephon Castle has brought the winning ways to the San Antonio Spurs ," Green said of the 21-year-old who helped UConn capture the NCAA title as a freshman. "San Antonio Spurs is a winning organization, but they've been losing for a while, and you got to get those ways back."
"And Stephon Castle, to me, is one of the ultimate winners. He's one of those types of guys. Not taking anything away from Wemby, but more so just showing my appreciation for what Stephon Castle is as a basketball player. He's a winner. He changes cultures," Green stressed.
The Spurs have been blessed with numerous franchise-altering talents over the years. From David Robinson to Tim Duncan , to Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker , to Kawhi Leonard , the silver and black have always been a hotbed for elite players. However, having two special young players who can lay the foundation for the franchise's future is not something to take for granted.
"I think the San Antonio Spurs are equally as lucky to have Stephon Castle as they are to have Victor Wembanyama," Draymond expressed. "When you're talking of or speaking of an organization, one player doesn't win championships, and different people carry different roles."
"And the role that Stephon Castle will play for those San Antonio Spurs teams right now and moving forward will be equally as important," he emphasized.
Castle's averages of 18.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game are nothing to scoff at. However, what has been more impressive is the way he's taken control of the backcourt. Showing poise and composure beyond his years, Castle has solidified himself as a leader the Spurs can count on.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
