Charles Barkley Predicts Spurs Duo to Be Next Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson

Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are two of the best young guards heading into next season. While there is no doubt that Victor Wembanyama is the best player in San Antonio, the backcourt duo of Castle and Harper are expected to turn the San Antonio Spurs into a scary team.

Castle was drafted by the Spurs as the number four pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He showed a lot of growth last season and played an instrumental role in helping the Spurs reach the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, Harper was drafted as the second pick last year. He was one of the best role players in the playoffs last season and is expected to take a big leap next season.

The Spurs are one of the most dangerous teams heading into next season. After reaching the Final, they will have their eyes locked on lifting the championship next year.

Charles Barkley talked about the young emerging guard duo and believes that they could be the next Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

The former MVP claimed that Castle and Harper will become the best guard duo in the league and possibly succeed the “Splash brothers”.

If I’m a guard in the NBA, I do not want to see them boys the next 10 years. They’re going to be the new Steph and Klay.

Charles Barkley on Bill Simmons Podcast

“If I’m a guard in the NBA, I do not want to see them boys the next 10 years. They’re going to be the new Steph and Klay.”

Charles Barkley with high praise for our Slash Bros, Castle & Harper! #GoSpursGo #PorVida pic.twitter.com/z5DvZwRQP1

— Wemby Alien Era (@WembyAlienEra) September 7, 2026

Barkley is well known for his hot takes. His latest comments on Stephon Castle and Harper succeeding Curry and Thompson is definitely another hot one.

Castle was arguably Spurs’ second-best player during the playoffs last season. Despite their lack of playoff experience, the young Spurs team played some fearful basketball led by Castle. Over the past two years, there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the partnership between Wembanyama and Castle.

Similarly, Harper is another superstar in the making. In his first season, he blew away everyone with his performances off the bench in the playoffs. His performances saw several fans demand a starting position for him next season. Barkley’s high praise highlights the massive expectations as the Spurs build toward a promising new era

Can Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper be the next Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson?

Just like Castle and Harper, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were both drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2009 and 2011, respectively. The two guards were undoubtedly the greatest shooting duo of all time and were given the nickname “Splash Brothers”.

While Curry and Thompson shared a good relationship off the court, they had a great relationship on the court as well. They became the best backcourt duo in the 2010s. Not only were they the best backcourt duo in the league, but they also changed the game of basketball forever through their shooting prowess.

There is no doubt that Curry is the greatest shooter of all time, but Thompson is also up there with the very best. Both players have broken numerous NBA three-point records. However, they were regarded not just for their shooting abilities but also for the success they brought to the Warriors over the last decade.

During their time together, the Warriors won four championships in six NBA Finals from 2015 to 2022. They were the driving force of the Warriors’ dynasty in the 2010s. The backcourt duo of Castle and Harper have a long way to go before they can be compared to the Splash Brothers, but the early signs have been promising so far.

Charles Barkley on why NBA stars play longer in the modern era

Charles Barkley played 16 seasons in the NBA. While it may seem like a long career to many, he was a shell of himself in his last four seasons with the Houston Rockets. Injuries took a toll on his body during his time in Houston and he was forced to retire after the 1999-2000 season.

But in the modern era, players are able to play over 15 years and defy Father Time, unlike players of the past. Sports science, nutrition, load management, and various other factors played a key role in extending players’ careers.

However, Barkley gave his take as to why players are able to play longer today.

It always ends badly. Father time is always going to win. I think it’s easier; the league is a lot easier today, let me get that out of the way, because there’s no physicality. So you can play another couple of years because all the physicality has gone out of the game.

Charles Barkley on Bill Simmons Podcast

A number of players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, and more have crossed the 15-season mark and are still playing at an elite level. While Barkley may be correct to an extent, saying that the lack of physicality is the main reason players play longer in the modern era is a bit too far-fetched. It ignores the growth in technology and science over the years.

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