San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle has officially been crowned the 2024-2025 NBA Rookie of the Year, capping off an incredible debut season with dominance on both ends of the court. The 6’6” guard out of UConn quickly emerged as a two-way force and leader for the Spurs, especially after the team was hit with late-season injuries to stars Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
Castle averaged 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game on the season, but his impact went far beyond the box score. He led all rookies in:
- Total points
- Field goals attempted & made
- Free throws attempted & made
- Total steals
He also ranked 2nd in total minutes and 4th in assists per game, showing his reliability and all-around game.
His consistency stood out as he:
- Scored 20+ points in 24 games
- Dropped 30+ points twice
- Recorded 5 double-doubles
What made Castle’s ROY case undeniable was his usage rate:
- 25.4% overall
- 28.6% after the All-Star break, once the Spurs leaned heavily on him following injuries to key players.
Castle becomes the first Spur to win the Rookie of the Year award since Tim Duncan, and if teammate Victor Wembanyama claimed the award last season, they become just the second back-to-back ROY duo in the last 50 years (joining Wiggins-Towns in 2015–16 and McAdoo-DiGregorio in 1973–74).
With elite poise, two-way ability, and star-level production, Stephon Castle has officially arrived — and the NBA better be ready.
