For five matches, Stephon Castle only averages 8 points at 38% shooting success and 10% at 3-points, in just 19 minutes. How to explain such a sluggishness, he who was so interesting in November, by chaining meetings with more than 10 points?
Would he be tired after already 29 matches in two months, when he had played 34 with Connecticut? Is the Spurs beginner a victim of the “Rookie Wall”, this moment when the legs of young people discovering the NBA become too heavy? He rules out this possibility, even if he is conscious that “everyone has to go through it”.
No, it is his change of role which explains this breakdown for Stephon Castle. For five matches, he has actually no longer started, having given way to Jeremy Sochan, who returned from his thumb and shoulder injuries. He must adapt to this new role, which he experienced at the start of the season, and to this reduced playing time.
“We have more players so everyone’s minutes are more distributed now”confirms Mitch Johnson in the face of the returns of Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell and Tre Jones. “I have to do as much as possible with the minutes in front of me”adds the Spurs rookie. “I have to use my opportunities and play my game.”
Learn so as not to repeat mistakes
This demotion and the drop in performance that goes with it do not seem to worry the San Antonio coach, who knows that his rookie will give his best and will bounce back quickly.
“What impresses me the most is his temperament. He starts the matches, then comes off the bench, he plays well then struggles but he doesn't shake, says Mitch Johnson. “What's good recently is that he no longer makes the same mistakes, whether on certain passes or readings of the game, in defense on the pick-and-roll. He is very mature, retains information and learns from his mistakes. It's precious. »
Harrison Barnes also agrees.
“He does a very good job, whether he starts with 35 minutes and finishes the matches, or whether he is a substitute, playing less. He is always aggressive and ready to make an impact.”concludes the Texan veteran.
| Stephon Castle | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2024-25 | SAN | 29 | 26 | 38.6 | 26.5 | 72.8 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 2.6 | 3.8 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 11.4 |
| Total | 29 | 26 | 38.6 | 26.5 | 72.8 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 2.6 | 3.8 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 11.4 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
