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.
Stephon Castle’s rise with the San Antonio Spurs: Is he already untouchable?
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
Is Stephon Castle the Future of the San Antonio Spurs?
The San Antonio Spurs are in the midst of a rebuild, and the emergence of rookie guard Stephon Castle is a promising development. At just 19 years old, Castle is already making waves in the NBA, averaging 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His performance has sparked discussions about whether he has reached “untradable” status on the Spurs roster.
Castle’s Impact on the Spurs’ Rebuild
Castle’s integration into the team has been seamless, and his chemistry with Victor Wembanyama is particularly noteworthy. The Spurs have been searching for the right pieces to complement Wembanyama, and Castle’s ability to fit into this dynamic is invaluable. His recent performances, including a five-game stretch where he averaged 15.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, highlight his potential as a key player in the Spurs’ future.
While some may argue that it’s too early to label Castle as untouchable, his early contributions suggest he could be a cornerstone for the team. His defensive prowess and smart passing have drawn comparisons to the early days of Tony Parker, another Spurs legend who found his stride alongside Tim Duncan. Castle’s ability to adapt and excel in his role is a promising sign for the Spurs’ long-term success.
The Untouchable Debate
The question of whether Castle is untouchable is still up for debate. Castle’s confidence and ability to adjust quickly to the NBA’s pace are impressive, and his numbers back up the hype. However, the Spurs must weigh the potential of Castle’s development against the possibility of acquiring other assets that could accelerate their rebuild.
Castle’s role as a shooting guard rather than a point guard has also been a strategic decision by the Spurs. This positioning allows him to maximize his strengths and contribute effectively to the team’s success. As the Spurs continue to evaluate their roster, Castle’s fit with Wembanyama and his overall impact will be crucial factors in determining his future with the team.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Steph Castle’s role in the Spurs’ rebuild, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Analysis of the Spurs’ recent game against the Chicago Bulls
- Discussion on the Spurs’ overall progress in the current NBA season
- Insights into the team’s strategy for the upcoming trade deadline
- Evaluation of other key players’ performances and their roles in the rebuild
Christmas lights are springing up, you can’t go anywhere without hearing Mariah Carey, and football players are making snow angels in the end zone. That means, somehow, the first quarter of the 2024-25 NBA season has come and gone. Let’s hand out some hardware!
Note: these aren’t forward-looking projections for the year-end choices. These are merit-based awards for the first 20-ish games that every team has played so far.
Eastern Conference MVP: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
There isn’t a single superstar in the game as well-rounded as Tatum. His headline ability, scoring, is understated and mathematically elegant. He’s averaging 28.4 points per game by taking advantage of the most valuable areas on the floor: he’s finishing at career-best levels (74% shooting at the rim, the same number as Giannis and a smidge above Anthony Davis), launching a monstrous 10.6 three-pointers per game, and earning the second-most free throws of his NBA life.
But all the high-wattage guys can score. It’s everything else that sets Tatum apart. He’s become an elite positional passer, as we saw in last year’s NBA Finals; he eats defensive rebounds with startling voracity; he’s a mean-as-hell pick-setter:
While star forwards around the league complain about having to guard centers, Tatum is quietly defending bigs more often than ever before (20% of the time, to be exact).
His one surface-level deficiency, offensive rebounding, has more to do with schematic choices than personal flaws.
With apologies to Giannis Antetokounmpo, doing his best to bring the Bucks back to relevance, Tatum is a no-brainer choice.
Western Conference MVP: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Jokic is currently third in scoring, second in rebounding, second in assists, eighth in steals (!), and second in three-point percentage. You already know who’s on top of every advanced metric leaderboard. The Nuggets post a 129.1 offensive rating with Jokic on the floor, miles ahead of the Knicks’ league-leading 123.7; they post a 96.4 offensive rating without him, a Mariana Trench-length beneath the Wizards’ anemic 103.8.
Frankly, I’ve been writing about the NBA for a while, and despite my pharaonic vocabulary (and access to online thesauri), I’ve run out of ways to describe why and how Jokic is the MVP. When we’re talking about the league’s most videogenic player, just listing stats feels wrong, but it’s also the best way to convey his overwhelming dominance.
Not even Tatum can reach the oxygen-deprived heights that Jokic routinely (and literally!) resides in. The Nugget is the MVP of the conference and the quarter, without question.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Must Read It was more than 1,000 days between games for Lonzo Ball. A look inside his grueling recovery and unprecedented return to the league. (ESPN)
Analysis Handing out early hardware for the 24-25 NBA season, including the rarely-seen “Unluckiest Team of the Quarter” award. (Basketball Poetry)
Feel Good The San Antonio Spurs partnered with Shoes That Fit to spread holiday cheer. Tre Jones and the Spurs Coyote were on hand to give new shoes to local children. (Pounding The Rock)
Preview The San Antonio Spurs face off against the Chicago Bulls in a critical matchup. Victor Wembanyama will be out due to injury, with Devin Vassell expected to step up. (Pounding The Rock)
Injury Victor Wembanyama will miss the upcoming game against the Bulls due to lower back soreness. His absence could impact the Spurs’ performance significantly. (Pounding The Rock)
Ticket Booth
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Bulls @ Spurs
Thursday, Dec. 05 | 7:00 PM | Frost Bank Center (San Antonio, TX) | Get Tickets
Kings @ Spurs
Friday, Dec. 06 | 7:00 PM | Frost Bank Center (San Antonio, TX) | Get Tickets
Pelicans @ Spurs
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | Frost Bank Center (San Antonio, TX) | Get Tickets
Replay: Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball: Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Games
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) falls to the ground after rolling his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury: What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Kevin Durant’s recent ankle injury is a significant concern for fantasy basketball managers. Durant, who has been a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game after just 16 minutes, scoring 13 points with four rebounds. This re-aggravation of a previous injury could mean time on the sidelines, impacting his availability in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers should consider potential replacements or temporary fill-ins, such as Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neal, who might see increased roles in Durant’s absence. However, neither is a must-add in standard leagues, but they could provide short-term value in deeper formats.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Player Performances
In the clash between the 76ers and Hornets, Paul George’s resurgence was a highlight. Despite playing 37 minutes, George’s performance—29 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers—showed signs of his former All-NBA self. However, with a back-to-back game on the horizon, his availability remains uncertain, making it crucial for fantasy managers to monitor his status closely.
Tyrese Maxey’s shooting struggles continued, but his ability to contribute in other areas, such as free throws and defense, keeps him relevant in fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a solid outing with 14 points and four three-pointers, making him a viable short-term option.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frontcourt Dynamics
The return of Mark Williams was a notable development, albeit with limited minutes. This situation presents a sell-high opportunity for Nick Richards, who posted an impressive 22 points and 14 rebounds. While there’s a chance Richards could outperform Williams, the Hornets’ long-term plans likely favour Williams, making Richards a potential trade candidate for savvy fantasy managers.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
Silver linings in the San Antonio Spurs’ recent slump
With star players like Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell making waves, the San Antonio Spurs are finding silver linings amid challenges. This episode details the team’s recent performances, highlighting Castle’s impressive scoring surge and Vassell’s consistent contributions.
Throwing out solutions for the struggling San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are on a rough three-game losing streak.
With star player Victor Wembanyama at the helm, the San Antonio Spurs face challenges that could redefine their strategy in the NBA.
The San Antonio Spurs are in a brutal losing skid
The San Antonio Spurs face a challenging period with a three-game losing streak, raising questions about their performance in the NBA. The team’s struggles, particularly in the third quarter, are a hot topic.
