Victor Wembanyama has firmly established himself as a premier talent in the NBA, entering the playoffs ready to lead. The San Antonio Spurs have been assembling a talented roster around him, taking a distinctive approach to building their team. Central to this effort is the addition of Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, both expected to play critical roles alongside Wembanyama in the pursuit of championship success.

Stephon Castle’s Promising Rookie Season

In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Spurs selected Stephon Castle with the fourth overall pick. Despite the draft being considered one of the weaker classes in recent memory, Castle distinguished himself by averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game as a rookie, ultimately earning the Rookie of the Year award. Castle’s early chemistry in the Spurs’ backcourt, alongside veteran Chris Paul and a developing Wembanyama, showed potential for a dynamic trio.

Adding De’Aaron Fox and the Guard Logjam

San Antonio strengthened its guard rotation by acquiring former Kings All-Star De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline. Fox appeared in 17 games before a finger injury required surgery, ending his season prematurely. Nevertheless, his recent four-year, $229 million contract extension underscores the Spurs’ commitment to making him a cornerstone of the team going forward. This acquisition, however, contributed to a crowded backcourt of talented guards, including Fox, Castle, and the newly drafted Dylan Harper.

Dylan Harper’s Arrival and Guard Depth Challenges

When the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery awarded the Spurs the second overall pick, they chose Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, regarded as the clear second-best player in the draft class. Harper’s addition created a dense mix of on-ball guards—Fox, Castle, and Harper—all brought in within a single year. While each player excels as a ball-handler, their shared tendencies raise questions about chemistry and spacing around Wembanyama. Notably, none of the three have consistently proven to be reliable three-point shooters, which complicates offensive spacing in shared lineups.

Adapting Roles for Team Success

With Fox likely locked into a long-term role as the Spurs’ lead guard, the development paths for Castle and Harper become crucial. Harper is expected to showcase his ability to attack the basket and create scoring opportunities, while adding a dependable jump shot would strengthen his future as a lead guard. His skill set indicates potential as a primary playmaker for the Spurs.

Stephon Castle, initially drafted as an off-guard or undersized wing from UConn, may shift back toward that position to accommodate Harper and Fox. If Castle can establish himself as a strong defensive presence and a reliable offensive facilitator, it would enhance his value on the roster alongside either guard. Without the evolution of key skills such as leadership on the ball, shooting, or transitioning effectively to a wing spot, Castle or Harper could face an uncertain future with San Antonio.

The Spurs’ Championship Outlook with Their Young Guard Core

Despite being a young team, the Spurs’ timeline aligns well with Wembanyama’s rookie contract, making their championship window particularly significant. The combination of Fox’s established talent, Castle’s promising rookie impact, and Harper’s potential puts the Spurs in a hopeful, if tense, position. How well Castle and Harper adapt and grow within this guard-heavy lineup will likely determine whether the Spurs can fully capitalize on Wembanyama’s presence and vie for a title in the near future.

“Victor Wembanyama has arrived as a top tier player in the NBA –– that’s not up for debate.” —Killian Wright, Sports Editor
“Each of the three are primarily on-ball players, creating even more of an awkward funk alongside Wembanyama.” —Killian Wright, Sports Editor
“Castle and Chris Paul together were leading a Spurs backcourt of an early-iteration Wembaynama squad, and doing a solid job of it.” —Killian Wright, Sports Editor
“If Castle can hone in as a defensive ball-stopper and offensive connector, it makes him a much more viable option alongside either Harper or Fox.” —Killian Wright, Sports Editor
“If neither of the two develop serious lead guard skills, a jumpshot or the ability to effectively slide up to the wing –– one could be headed out of San Antonio.” —Killian Wright, Sports Editor
“Yes, the Spurs are a young team, but championship windows don’t come often, and gunning for one while under Wembanyama’s rookie contract makes perfect sense.” —Killian Wright, Sports Editor