Jeff Garcia here, the host of the daily Locked On Spurs podcast, with your daily Locked On Spurs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Spurs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle: Is he being overlooked in his rookie class?
Nov 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images|Daniel Dunn/Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Stephon Castle: The Overlooked Rookie Making Waves in the NBA
Is Stephon Castle being overlooked as one of the standout rookies in the NBA? As a San Antonio Spurs fan, it’s hard not to notice the impact Castle is having on the court. Despite his impressive performances, he seems to be flying under the radar in the national spotlight. The NBA’s recent KIA Rookie Ladder has him climbing the ranks, yet he’s still not in the top five. This raises the question: why isn’t Castle getting the recognition he deserves?
Castle’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of impressive. Drafted as the fourth overall pick, he’s been a key player for the Spurs, especially in the absence of stars like Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. Castle’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in crunch time, has been a revelation. His defensive prowess and offensive contributions have been crucial in recent games, where he even emerged as one of the leading scorers.
The rookie’s stats speak volumes about his potential. When Castle is on the court, the Spurs’ offensive and defensive ratings significantly improve. His presence is felt on both ends, making him a valuable asset to the team. Yet, despite these contributions, players from less successful teams are receiving more attention. This disparity in recognition could be attributed to the media’s focus on larger markets and more established franchises.
The “Wemby Effect” and Media Bias
One factor that might be affecting Castle’s visibility is what some call the “Wemby Effect.” With Wembanyama casting a large shadow, it’s challenging for any player to stand out. However, Castle’s consistent performances should not be overshadowed. His ability to assist teammates and maintain a balanced game is evident in his chemistry with players like Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes.
Media bias also plays a role in Castle’s underappreciation. Larger markets like Philadelphia and Los Angeles naturally draw more media attention, which can skew perceptions of player performance. Despite this, Castle’s standout moments, such as his game-securing block against Oklahoma City, are beginning to turn heads.
Castle’s mindset is commendable. He focuses on contributing to the team’s success rather than individual accolades. This refreshing team-first attitude aligns with the Spurs’ culture of prioritizing collective achievement over personal glory.
Tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for insights and a deeper dive into Stephon Castle’s journey and the factors influencing his recognition.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Reaction to Project Marvel: The proposed sports district in San Antonio and its implications for a new Spurs arena.
- Discussion on the absence of Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell and its impact on the team’s performance.
- Insights into the NBA Rookie Ladder and the players ranked above and below Steph Castle.
- A look at the media’s role in shaping perceptions of rookie performances across the league.
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Arena San Antonio City Council unveils plans for new Spurs arena and Sports and Entertainment District in Hemisfair — here’s the scoop. (SATXtoday)
Replay The Spurs secured their second victory in a row with a strong second-half comeback against the Jazz. Relive the excitement in this game recap. (Sports Illustrated)
Legacy Will NBA expansion bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle? Find out. (The Athletic)
Biz Amid their early-season tank, the Sixers expected to scour the trade market for power forwards. (Real GM)
Shopping
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Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images|Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
Discussing Project Marvel + San Antonio Spurs-Jazz gameday preview
With the current Frost Bank Center lagging behind other NBA arenas, the San Antonio Spurs and the city are exploring a possible new arena to enhance their marketability and revitalize the downtown area.
Let’s take a look at San Antonio Spurs lineups
The San Antonio Spurs are experimenting with lineup combinations, and the results might surprise you. With Victor Wembanyama’s evolving role, the team is exploring whether focusing on inside play or perimeter shooting will maximize his potential.
Victor Wembanyama’s improved shooting; San Antonio Spurs-Thunder preview
Victor Wembanyama’s recent shooting improvements have caught the attention of NBA fans and analysts alike. With his field goal percentage jumping from 41% to 50% and his three-point accuracy soaring from 23% to 39%, the San Antonio Spurs’ rising star is redefining expectations.
