San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle just captured the 2024-25 Kia Rookie of the Year after a strong second half of the season. The former UConn Huskie averaged 14.7 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game on 42.8% shooting from the field this season. He is one of those players who was under the radar for the longest time this season for the award, but once the Sixers’ Jared McCain got hurt, this became Castle’s award to win. Especially during the second half of the season.
Stephon Castle’s Second-Half Numbers
Castle’s second half of the season is where the 2024-25 Kia Rookie of the Year award was decided, as Castle averaged 19.5 points per game in March with 4.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Meanwhile, in April, he averaged 18.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. Those elevated numbers for him were available to him due to the season-ending injuries to Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox during the second half of the season.
He earned a starting role, especially when Fox went out for the year, and was very productive, far and away the best rookie during that span. He was good during the beginning parts of the season, but when you look at the award-winning March and April, Castle bought the second straight Rookie of the Year trophy back to the Riverwalk of San Antonio.
Final Thoughts
He was the most consistent rookie of the nominees who were amongst the finalists for the Award. He was deserving of the award outright. But I couldn’t help but imagine how the race would be between him and McCain if McCain stayed healthy for the Sixers. The Spurs are building a nice squad that will compete for years to come thanks to talents like Castle and Wembanyama. Total Apex Sports will have more NBA News and recaps throughout the rest of these playoffs.
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