TITLE: Spurs Roundup: Castle Stays Focused, McLaughlin Shines in NBA Cup, Wembanyama Meets “World’s Strongest Man”
SLUG: spurs-roundup-castle-mclaughlin-wembanyama-champagnie-harper
CONTENT:
Stephon Castle captured last season’s Rookie of the Year award by collecting 92 of 100 first-place votes, yet the 20-year-old guard says the honor has not changed his approach. “I feel like once you get it, your name is installed in history, and then you have to go make your career after that,” Castle told Andscape. His primary goal now is leading the San Antonio Spurs back to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
The second-year guard is averaging 18.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists through eight games while filling in at point guard during De’Aaron Fox’s recent absence. Head coach Mitch Johnson noted, “He can impact winning whether he is on the ball, off the ball, defensively. He is going to guard a ton of different profiles … He has an opportunity to affect the game as much as anybody.”
McLaughlin’s Perfect Nine
Reserve guard Jordan McLaughlin delivered nine points in nine minutes Friday as San Antonio opened NBA Cup play with a victory over Houston. After arriving from Sacramento last February and seeing limited action, the 28-year-old secured a one-year, $3 million deal to stay in San Antonio. “That’s why we brought him back,” Johnson said. “He’s a professional, a mature adult, a great teammate who’s a really cerebral, skilled basketball player.”
Wembanyama Gets Strength Tips
Former WWE star and powerlifting icon Mark Henry visited Frost Bank Center on Friday and spoke with Spurs players, impressing 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama in particular. Henry offered weight-room advice to the rookie phenom, who still encounters physical mismatches. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka compared Wembanyama’s situation to Kevin Durant’s early career, saying opponents will “be physical with you” until greater strength is added.
Rotation Updates
Fox’s return to the lineup has shifted Julian Champagnie to a reserve role for the first time this season. The forward was averaging a career-best 30 minutes and 10.1 points over the season’s opening eight contests.
Before Friday’s game, Johnson said rookie guard Dylan Harper (left calf strain) has not yet resumed physical activity.
Source: Hoops Rumors
