SACRAMENTO — It’s been nearly two weeks since the San Antonio Spurs used the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to draft former UConn star Stephon Castle — a 6-foot-6 guard (with a 6-9 wingspan) who has the upside to become the best on-ball defender from his draft class.
In the final game of the California Classic in Sacramento on Tuesday, Castle had his best performance yet: 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Castle showed flashes throughout the multi-day event of why he can make an immediate impact for Gregg Popovich and company as a rookie because of his elite basketball IQ.
The Spurs had two picks in the top 10 of the NBA Draft and traded the No. 8 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 top-one protected pick swap. San Antonio signed 11-time NBA All-Star point guard Chris Paul after he was waived by the Warriors and landed Harrison Barnes as part of a three-time sign-and-trade that ultimately saw former Spur — DeMar DeRozan — go to the Sacramento Kings.
Castle has expressed a desire previously to be a point guard at the next level after playing mostly off-ball in his lone collegiate season. Because of Castle’s position versatility, it’s easy to see Castle playing next to Paul in an off ball role or getting run in some situations as the lone PG on the floor to get him as much experience as possible during the Spurs’ rebuild.
After the summer league in California’s capital concluded, Castle sat down with CBS Sports to answer questions about his Summer League debut, his fit next Victor Wembanyama, winning a national title at UConn and expectations ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Cameron Salerno: What have the last three months been like for you? Winning a national championship at UConn, getting drafted No. 4 and now playing in the summer league?
Stephon…
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