The 2024 NBA Draft was not expected to be a good one. Sandwiched between the class that ushered in Victor Wembanyama in 2023 and Cooper Flagg in 2025, the class of ’24 wasn’t expected to be elite, and so far no player is averaging even 12 points per game.

With the fourth overall pick, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Stephon Castle in hopes he would be the oversized point guard of the future. During a national title season at the University of Connecticut, he flashed elite defense, tight handles and solid passing chops, although his shot creation and scoring ability were his biggest concerns entering the league.

Through 11 games, the rookie is averaging 8.5 points, 2.8 assists, 0.9 steals and shooting 37.2% from the floor and 22.2% from 3-point range. Despite the mediocre foul numbers, he looks solid, robust and plays with poise.

In a 10-point outing against the Sacramento Kings, Castle has launched a new layup package that will allow him to get more open looks. By stopping on a dime, he forces his defender to continue, creating some space.

New signature move in? pic.twitter.com/edYsu67GQv

— Jonah Kubicek (@JonahKubicek) November 13, 2024

On Wednesday, with media availability, reporters clamored to ask the rookie about his layup package, and the oft-reserved Castle downplayed it.

“I wouldn’t say it’s my move, but it’s kind of cool to be able to use it and have people kind of recognize me for it,” he said. “I started working on it with (Director of Player Development Michael Noyes) my first week here, right after the draft. We started training and he taught me that. I didn’t start using it until much more recently, but I’ve got it for a while now.”

While Castle isn’t ready to call it “his move,” it, along with Tony Parker’s tear, Tim Duncan’s bank shot, and Manu Ginobili’s Euro move, could define the franchise.

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