When Stephon Castle collapsed during a non-contact agility drill at the San Antonio Spurs training facility on October 27, 2024, it wasn’t just another practice mishap. It was the latest gut punch in a season already spiraling out of control. The 19-year-old rookie guard, expected to be a sparkplug for a young roster, will now miss at least one to two weeks with a left hip flexor strain — a blow that comes just days after Victor Wembanyama was sidelined with a recurring right quadriceps injury. The timing couldn’t be worse. The San Antonio Spurs are 1–6, on a five-game losing streak, and sitting 29th in defensive efficiency. Two of their most vital young players, both top-five draft picks, are now out — and the team’s depth is being tested like never before.
A Double Blow to the Core
Stephon Castle’s injury occurred during a lateral cut drill, according to team sources. He planted awkwardly, felt immediate pain, and was helped off the floor by assistant coach Chip Engelland. An MRI at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio confirmed a Grade 1 strain of the iliopsoas muscle — mild, but far from trivial. Dr. David Schmidt, the Spurs’ longtime team physician, warned that returning too soon carries a 15% risk of re-injury, a number that’s haunted NBA teams before. Castle’s rehab will be methodical: daily PT, anti-inflammatories, and zero weight-bearing for now. His return is tentatively set for November 12, with full contact not expected until the 15th. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama — the 20-year-old French phenom who was supposed to anchor this team’s future — is still out with his second quadriceps strain of the month. He first hurt it in preseason on October 12, returned for three games, then re-aggravated it during a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on October 25. His absence is now projected at three to four weeks. The Spurs lost by 18 that night. They’ve lost every game since.The Ripple Effect
Without Castle and Wembanyama, the Spurs’ rotation is in freefall. Jeremy Sochan, a second-year forward with limited guard experience, has been thrust into the starting point guard role. Charles Bassey, a 6’10" center with limited offensive polish, is now playing 25+ minutes a night — a massive jump from his previous 12. And to fill the void, the Spurs promoted rookie Blake Wesley from their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs. But Wesley, a 21-year-old with just 13 NBA minutes to his name, isn’t a solution — he’s a Band-Aid. The financial sting is real. Castle’s salary is fully guaranteed at $10.2 million over four years. That’s $26,750 per game. For a minimum 7-day absence, he forfeits $187,250. That’s not just money — it’s a statement. The Spurs aren’t cutting corners, but they’re also not getting anything back.Popovich’s Real Talk
At a somber press conference on October 30 at the Frost Bank Center, Gregg Popovich didn’t sugarcoat it. “Losing Stephon on top of Victor is a significant blow to our rotation,” he said. “We’ll adjust, but there’s no sugarcoating how tough this is for our young roster.” Popovich, who’s coached the Spurs since 1996, has weathered injuries before — Tim Duncan’s knees, Tony Parker’s ankles, Manu Ginóbili’s body. But this? This is different. This isn’t about veterans grinding through pain. This is about two teenagers, the franchise’s future, being felled by the same kind of nagging, preventable strains that have derailed countless promising careers. General manager Brian Wright confirmed the team won’t pursue a waiver claim. “We believe in our guys,” he said. “We’re not going to trade away our future for a short-term fix.” That’s a bold stance — and a risky one. With the Spurs’ defense allowing 122.4 points per 100 possessions, the second-worst in the league, they can’t afford to be passive.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The last time the Spurs lost two top-five picks to injury simultaneously was 2003 — Tony Parker and David Wesley. That team went 2–8 over a 10-game stretch. They still made the playoffs. This team? They’re 1–6. They’re last in the West. Their next game — against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 1 — is a must-win just to avoid falling into the league’s basement. The medical staff’s projections are cautious. Castle’s re-evaluation on November 12 is a checkpoint, not a guarantee. Wembanyama’s return window remains fluid. And the Spurs? They’re playing with a roster that looks more like a developmental squad than an NBA contender. Their defense is porous. Their offense is stagnant. Their stars are sidelined. And their only hope? That the next generation can grow up fast.What’s Next?
The Spurs’ schedule doesn’t get easier. After Memphis, they face the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns — all top-tier teams. If Castle or Wembanyama return before mid-November, it’ll be a minor miracle. If not, the Spurs may be forced to make a decision: rebuild faster than planned, or risk losing the season before it even begins.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Stephon Castle’s injury impact the Spurs’ backcourt depth?
Castle was expected to be the primary backup to starter Devin Vassell and a key playmaker in transition. His absence forces Jeremy Sochan — a 6’7" forward with minimal guard experience — into the starting role, leaving the Spurs without a true ball-handler who can create his own shot. Blake Wesley, promoted from the G League, has only 13 NBA minutes. The team now lacks scoring punch and defensive versatility in the backcourt, contributing to their league-worst defensive efficiency.
Why is Victor Wembanyama’s injury more concerning than a typical quadriceps strain?
Wembanyama’s strain is a recurrence — the same muscle group that flared up in preseason just weeks earlier. Recurring injuries in young, high-mileage athletes often signal underlying biomechanical issues or overuse. With Wembanyama playing 34+ minutes per game, the Spurs’ medical staff must now consider whether his workload is unsustainable. His size (7’4") makes him uniquely vulnerable to soft-tissue strain, and this isn’t just a missed game — it’s a potential red flag for long-term durability.
What’s the historical precedent for the Spurs losing two top-5 picks at once?
The last time the Spurs lost two top-five picks simultaneously was in November 2003, when Tony Parker (ankle) and David Wesley (knee) were sidelined. That team went 2–8 over a 10-game stretch but still finished 50–32 and reached the playoffs. This year’s Spurs are 1–6 and ranked 29th in defensive efficiency — far worse than the 2003 team, which was built around Tim Duncan and had veteran leadership. The current roster lacks the veteran stability to survive such a blow.
Will the Spurs make a trade to replace Castle or Wembanyama?
No. General manager Brian Wright has publicly stated the team won’t pursue waiver claims or trades. The Spurs are betting on internal development — promoting Blake Wesley and relying on Jeremy Sochan and Charles Bassey. They’re also activating Zach Collins, who’s still recovering from shoulder surgery. This suggests a long-term philosophy: protect draft capital, avoid salary cap clutter, and trust their player development system — even if it means enduring a rough stretch.
How does Castle’s injury affect his long-term prospects?
A Grade 1 hip flexor strain typically doesn’t derail careers — but timing matters. Castle was just finding his rhythm in the NBA, averaging 7.2 points and 3.1 assists in his first six games. Missing two weeks could cost him valuable chemistry-building time with Wembanyama and the rest of the roster. If he returns without full explosiveness, scouts may question his durability. The Spurs’ medical team is treating this as a cautionary case — not a crisis — but the pressure to prove he can stay healthy is mounting.
What’s the significance of the Spurs’ 1–6 record and 29th-ranked defense?
The Spurs’ 122.4 defensive rating is the worst in the NBA, meaning they allow nearly 10 more points per 100 possessions than the league average. With Castle and Wembanyama — two elite defensive talents — out, their ability to switch, protect the rim, and guard the perimeter has collapsed. Their offense isn’t much better, ranking 26th in efficiency. At this rate, they’re on pace for one of the worst seasons in franchise history, potentially threatening their streak of 25+ consecutive playoff appearances — a run that began in 1997.
