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 continues to fall in NBA Rookie Ladder
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 promising rookie for the San Antonio Spurs, has fallen once again in the NBA rookie ladder rankings. This recent drop raises questions about his Rookie of the Year chances and his role within the team. As a dynamic guard who can create his own shot and contribute on both ends of the floor, Castle’s performance is crucial for the Spurs’ rebuilding efforts.
Castle’s slide from the top spot to fifth place in the rookie rankings is concerning, but it’s important to consider the context. The rookie’s playing time has decreased significantly since December, dropping from an average of 25 minutes per game to just 19.9 minutes in January. This reduction in minutes has undoubtedly affected his productivity and overall impact on the court.
The Starting Lineup Dilemma
One of the key questions surrounding Castle’s situation is whether he should return to the starting lineup. Earlier in the season, Castle was part of a starting unit that ranked among the best in the NBA. However, with the return of Devin Vassell from injury, Castle was moved to the bench. This change has disrupted his rhythm and limited his opportunities to showcase his skills.
The statistics paint a clear picture of Castle’s impact as a starter versus coming off the bench. In 19 games as a starter, he averaged 29 minutes, 13.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. In contrast, his 17 games off the bench have seen his numbers drop to 18.7 minutes, 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
While it’s tempting to advocate for Castle’s return to the starting lineup, the decision isn’t straightforward. The Spurs must consider the roles of other key players like Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and Harrison Barnes. Each of these players brings unique strengths to the starting unit, making it challenging to determine who should be moved to the bench.
As the Spurs continue their rebuilding process, they must balance the development of young talent like Castle with the goal of winning games. The rookie’s potential is evident, and his two-way abilities make him a valuable asset for the team’s future. However, finding the right role and minutes for Castle within the current roster remains a challenge for the coaching staff.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Castle’s situation and the Spurs’ roster decisions, 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 three-game losing streak
• Preview of the upcoming Spurs vs. Lakers game
• Discussion on Victor Wembanyama’s recent comments about the team’s performance
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
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
Milestone Devin Vassell celebrated a major achievement by hitting his 500th 3-pointer in the NBA, marking a significant milestone in his career. (Pounding The Rock)
Analysis The Spurs’ recent loss to the Bucks provided several insights into their current team dynamics and areas needing improvement, as detailed in the post-game analysis. (Pounding The Rock)
Watch Victor Wembanyama has garnered over one million All-Star votes, solidifying his status as a fan favorite and a key player to watch this season. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Exploring the underlying reasons for the Spurs’ inconsistencies, this article dives into the team’s performance metrics and strategic challenges. Read the analysis to understand more. (Sports Illustrated)
Ranking The Spurs’ position in the latest NBA Power Rankings reflects their performance and provides a comparative overview as the trade deadline approaches. (Bleacher Report)
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
Fan episode: How do fans grade the San Antonio Spurs at the mid-season?
The San Antonio Spurs are making waves in the NBA, with star players like Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell leading the charge.
But how do Spurs fans feel about the team at the mid-season point?
Emergency show: Reacting to the latest San Antonio Spurs-De’Aaron Fox rumor
On this emergency episode of Locked On Spurs, host Jeff Garcia welcomes Jack Thompson, formerly with San Antonio Spurs Star, and Spurs on Sports Illustrated’s Matt Guzman, to react to the latest rumor involving the San Antonio Spurs and Kings guard De’Aaron Fox.
San Antonio Spurs in Paris wrap up; Midseason grades: The guards
The San Antonio Spurs, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, recently showcased their skills in Paris, leaving fans buzzing about their potential. With the NBA season at its midpoint, the Spurs’ performance, especially the contributions of their guards, is under the microscope.
