Spurs' Stephon Castle Earns Praise from NBA All-Star Devin Booker

The second-year guard continues to impress his peers with his two-way play.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Stephon Castle, the rising star of the San Antonio Spurs, has earned high praise from Phoenix Suns veteran Devin Booker for his impressive performances in his sophomore NBA season. Booker, an All-Star guard, highlighted Castle's two-way impact, noting his defensive intensity, athleticism, and continued development as a scorer and playmaker.

Why it matters

Castle's rapid rise and recognition from one of the league's elite players underscores the Spurs' strong supporting cast around top draft pick Victor Wembanyama. As the team aims for a deep playoff run, Castle's continued growth could be a key factor in their success.

The details

In his second NBA season, the 22-year-old Castle has built on his Rookie of the Year campaign, showcasing his versatility as a two-way guard. While known for his lockdown defense, Castle has also improved his shooting and playmaking, making him a valuable asset in the Spurs' system.

  • Castle was named the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year.
  • Booker's comments about Castle came during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.

The players

Stephon Castle

A second-year guard for the San Antonio Spurs, who was named the 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year and has continued to impress with his two-way play.

Devin Booker

A 10-year NBA veteran and All-Star guard for the Phoenix Suns, who praised Castle's performances and potential during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.

Victor Wembanyama

The top draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs, who has helped propel the team into title contention in the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“He's really good. I have a lot of respect for him. I've been watching San Antonio. He plays both sides of the ball, he's dynamic, he's athletic. He's a competitor, so I have a lot of respect for guys who play the game like him.”

— Devin Booker, NBA All-Star (Sporting News)

What’s next

As the Spurs continue their push for an NBA championship, the development of Stephon Castle will be a key storyline to follow throughout the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Stephon Castle's rapid rise and recognition from fellow NBA stars like Devin Booker underscores the Spurs' strong supporting cast around top draft pick Victor Wembanyama. Castle's two-way impact could be a crucial factor in the team's championship aspirations.