Spurs' Devin Vassell Key to Victor Wembanyama Success
Victor Wembanyama was expected to take the league by storm, and so far he has. The San Antonio Spurs are not playing well, but the blueprint moving forward could not be more clear: build around Wemby.
Devin Vassell, one of the most underrated players in the league, has been the exact complimentary piece the Spurs need moving forward. The fourth-year wing is averaging a career-high in points and assists and is thriving with the extra attention Wembanyama has been getting.
Jan 2, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) reacts with center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum.
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Vassell, 23, could easily be the third-best player on a team with championship aspirations. Unfortunately, the Spurs are missing the complimentary star to pair with Wembanyama.
Vassell is a tough shot taker and a tough shot maker, but with the added presence of a high-scoring option in the rotation (Trae Young, maybe?), Vassell could get better looks and see more open shots, which he hits with ease.
Obviously, the Spurs are not having the best season, but it's easy to see where they plan to be next season. Adding another--probably less talented--three-and-D player and a high-end distributor would do wonders for the Spurs. Tre Jones has been a solid distributor, and with an additional leap he could become a focal point of the rebuild. Rounding out this fantastical starting five is Jeremy Sochan, who is a one-man wrecking crew on defense.
The Spurs have depth pieces in Malaki Branham, Dominick Barlow, and Blake Wesley, so building a roster around, or for, Vassell and Wembanyama is just a matter of time.
It's been pointed out that this version of Wembanyama is the worst version we will ever see, and the same can be said of Vassell. As the Spurs add more young talent to shoulder some of the offense, Vassell will thrive off-ball, allowing him to break out even more.
Both Vassell and Wembanyama are safe as focal points of the Spurs' rebuild. San Antonio has a star center and a legitimate star wing, all they need is a point guard to help everyone get to their spots. In case it isn't abundantly clear, the future is very bright in San Antonio.
