San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Stephon Castle kicked off a jam-packed NBA All-Star Weekend by taking home the Rising Stars MVP trophy. But the 6-foot-6 guard says winning MVP is just the beginning of the hardware he plans to collect in his first All-Star showcase.
Shining Under the Bright Lights
Castle led Team C, coached by NBA legend Chris Mullin, to a dominant 25-14 win over Team G League in the Rising Stars final. The Spurs phenom scored 11 points and dished out three assists, including setting up Utah Jazz rookie Keyonte George for the game-winning three.
“To be a part of the game-winning bucket in both [games], it means a lot.”
– Stephon Castle on his Rising Stars MVP performance
The Rising Stars win earned Castle’s squad a spot in Sunday’s All-Star Game, where they’ll face off against Shaquille O’Neal’s team of NBA superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. When asked about going up against the veteran-laden squad, the confident rookie didn’t mince words.
“We’re out there with nothing to lose. We’re out there playing confident, playing free. So, I just wouldn’t count us out.”
– Stephon Castle on facing Team Shaq in the All-Star Game
Just Getting Started
Castle’s Rising Stars coronation is only the start of a hectic All-Star Weekend itinerary for the Spurs’ budding star. On Saturday, he’ll compete in the always-anticipated Slam Dunk Contest, looking to etch his name alongside past winners like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Zach LaVine.
While Castle played coy about what dunks he has in store, the high-flying guard left no doubt about his aspirations.
“I don’t want to spoil anything, but I’ll just say the MVP trophy isn’t the only trophy I’m trying to take home.”
– Stephon Castle on his Slam Dunk Contest plans
Rare Rookie Feat
By participating in the Rising Stars, Slam Dunk Contest, and the All-Star Game, Castle joins elite company. The last player to compete in all three events in the same All-Star Weekend was Blake Griffin in 2011.
For Castle, sharing the court with his childhood heroes is a dream come true.
“As a basketball player, it’s really all I can ask for, watching those guys all the time growing up, so to share my first All-Star Weekend with them and be able to share the court with them is a blessing.”
– Stephon Castle on playing with NBA superstars
Making a Statement
Castle won’t be the only young gun aiming to leave his mark on All-Star Sunday. His Team C teammates like Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht are eager to trade buckets with their veteran counterparts.
When asked if he anticipates any trash talk with the 40-year-old LeBron James, Knecht quipped:
“I usually don’t start it. I usually don’t start talking. I usually try to finish it.”
– Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht on facing LeBron James
One thing is certain: Stephon Castle and his fellow rising stars don’t plan to back down from the NBA’s biggest names. With an MVP trophy already on his mantle and his sights set on a slam dunk crown, Castle is poised to have an All-Star debut for the ages.
