The 2025 NBA Draft was anticipated to produce one of the best classes in recent memory, and so far, it has lived up to the hype. In a recent matchup, first overall pick Cooper Flagg and second pick Dylan Harper went head-to-head as the San Antonio Spurs decisively defeated the Dallas Mavericks.
Flagg recorded a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds but was largely seen as disappointing due to his offensive inefficiency. On the other hand, Harper had a solid performance, posting 15 points and quickly finding his rhythm in the second half of his debut.
### Standout Performances Across the League
Elsewhere in the league, VJ Edgecombe dominated his game, while Jeremiah Fears and Tre Johnson also delivered solid outings. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle, Harper’s teammate and the reigning Rookie of the Year, shared his thoughts on both Flagg and Harper, expressing confidence in their potential for long NBA careers.
### San Antonio Spurs’ Star Delivers Rookie Verdict
Commenting on Flagg’s performance, Castle noted, “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be. I mean, my first game, I was out there nervous, so I can’t really speak on it. He made some good reads, he didn’t seem too rattled. So, I think he’ll have a good year.”
Castle was naturally more complimentary about his teammate Harper. “Dylan, he’s been hooping all summer, all training camp. I knew once he got settled in, he’d be fine. He started off the game kind of shaky, but picked it up quickly and helped us a lot.”
Currently, Harper remains behind Castle on the Spurs’ depth chart and is expected to slot in as a backup to De’Aaron Fox once Fox returns to the floor. Flagg, conversely, has been tasked with playing point guard—a position he is not familiar with—which partly explains his rougher offensive showing.
### Harper Expected to Take More Time Than Flagg
Despite Harper’s more effective debut, he is considered a much more raw prospect compared to Flagg. It’s important to note that Flagg was playing point guard in his very first NBA game, a challenging role for a rookie.
Harper projects to be a pass-first guard, drawing comparisons to a younger James Harden. Alongside Victor Wembanyama, Harper forms an ideal running mate for the Spurs to rely on in the coming years.
### Spurs Look Ahead
Castle also had an impressive outing, scoring 22 points while contributing six assists and seven rebounds. Although De’Aaron Fox remains the best guard on the Spurs roster, his position could soon be challenged, especially if he spends more time on the bench than anticipated.
The 2025 season looks poised for exciting developments as these young talents continue to grow and make their mark in the NBA.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/san-antonio-spurs/stephon-castle-2025-nba-draft/
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