What the Spurs’ signing of Chris Paul means for Stephon Castle

Chris Paul is one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA, and despite all the jokes about his weaknesses revolving around winning a championship, it would be hard to find anyone who would deny that original statement.

Paul is nearing the end of his legendary career. At 39 years old, The Point God has only a limited number of seasons left. Paul came off the bench regularly last season for the first time in his career as a member of the Golden State Warriors. He was still a good performer, but his services came at a price.

The Warriors had to decide whether to guarantee that price for the upcoming season. After trying in vain to trade Paul to another team willing to pay his contract amount, they decided to release Paul as the deadline for his contract approached. The team released Paul and allowed him to become a free agent.

Paul was given the opportunity to choose possibly the last spot of his illustrious career. He chose the San Antonio Spurs. The deal is said to be a one-year contract worth around $11 million.

The Spurs’ signing of Paul will likely be a welcome addition to the team, but it also raises legitimate questions. The Spurs selected guard Stephon Castle of the UConn Huskies with their fourth pick in the NBA Draft.

The Spurs were in dire need of reinforcements at point guard last year, as Tre Jones was the only consistent performer at the position. Thanks to the numerous new additions to the team, they will now enter the 2024-25 season with more than a few options as to what to do with their backcourt.

Paul’s chance to prove himself one last time

The Point God can remind everyone how effective he can still be as a Floor General

There has been a lot of talk about Spurs needing a player who can consistently and effectively incorporate their generational star, Victor Wembanyama, into the attack. While Paul is far from his best, he should still be more than capable of doing just that.

As mentioned, Paul came off the bench for the Warriors last season and played 26.4 minutes in his new role. You might think that Paul will get a chance to start for the Spurs. He is still an effective playmaker and the task of creating easy scoring opportunities for Wembanyama is a no-brainer for Paul.

With Jones already on the roster as a backup point guard, it’s hard to imagine Paul not being the Spurs’ starting lineup in the future. NBA insider Chris Haynes strongly suggested that could be the case for San Antonio next season.

With Paul the presumptive favorite to start, the Spurs need to make room for Castle somehow. The investment they made in selecting him so high should be a good indicator of the importance of his rookie season to the team.

Castle’s chance to expand his game

The newcomer must adapt to what is coming

Castle was the second guard taken off the board in the 2024 NBA Draft. Only Reed Sheppard was selected ahead of him, going third overall to the Houston Rockets. When it came to the rookie’s preference for where he sees himself, Castle made it clear that it is the point guard position.

Castle may have to get used to being uncomfortable. With Paul’s addition to the team, one could assume Castle’s first role in the league will be that of second guard. Castle will likely be asked to give up his preference for now, but the ability to make sacrifices is one of the main reasons Spurs general manager Brian Wright chose Castle in the first place.

At 6’6″, Castle definitely has the right size for the two-guard position. The concerns and questions will revolve around other aspects of his game.

An opportunity to grow

Castle will have the opportunity to improve and learn

One of the biggest concerns with Castle potentially playing unprepared is his shooting ability. During his time at UConn, he was not a world-class shooter from beyond the three-point line.

Castle’s trouble shooting three-pointers didn’t seem to worry Wright. The Spurs have done their homework and there seems to be a belief that Castle will be fine.

Castle’s career start at two-guard may be just what he needs, giving him the opportunity to improve other aspects of his game before working his way back up to the point guard position.

Paul is one of the oldest players in the league and the clock is ticking on his career. Castle will likely get his chance at point guard in the near future, but before that he will get two other opportunities. He can develop as an off-ball player and shooter to round out his game. Plus, he can be mentored by one of the best point guards at the position. Castle’s rookie year should be just what the doctor ordered.

Statistics courtesy of Basketball and Sports Reference.

Related

What Stephon Castle could contribute to the Spurs in his rookie season

Stephon Castle will join a young Spurs side looking to improve after a 60-loss season while continuing to develop their core.