San Antonio Spurs Season Preview: How Much Will Devin Vassell Shine?
Devin Vassell wasn't among the most well known San Antonio Spurs until just a few weeks ago, when he signed a five-year, $135 contract, but his prior lack of notoriety isn't necessarily because of him.
It's because of his injury history.
Vassell played just 38 games for the Spurs last season — missing a significant chunk of time midseason due to a left-knee injury — most of which was played to close out the season. With him gone, San Antonio found itself struggling on offense, but when he returned, it instantly saw the benefit. His quick first step and stellar shooting made sure of that.
Vassell's return told the story of his season last year, but that's set to change. The fourth year forward now has his sights set on staying healthy for good.
"I feel like I've shown when I'm healthy, I can play with the best of them," Vassell said last season of his potential. "I don't have any regrets from this season. Everybody in the organization knows that when I'm healthy ... the team [plays] a great game."
Oct 18, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) brings the ball up the court in the first half against the Houston Rockets at the Frost Bank Center.
© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Simply put, Vassell was right. In all but two games of his return, the shooting guard notched double figures in scoring and played a facilitator role from a passing standpoint. This season, he'll look to do the same and continue where he left off.
But more importantly, Vassell is going to continue to be himself on the court.
"I don't think I'm doing anything that's out of character. I've been in the league [for three seasons] going into my fourth ... and I'm just trying to help out [the younger guys] on the court and off the court.
"I want to be able to get everybody involved. ... I want to be a complete player."
As the Spurs look to make some noise this season with the addition of Victor Wembanyama, they'll need to find production from up and down the roster.
Vassell might not have been among the most well known players on that roster until a few weeks a go, but his expected impact has remained the same.
And if he can continue where he left off, he'll be set to make things happen for the Spurs as a premiere scorer, which is all they can ask for.
"I'm anxious to see this whole team," Vassell said. "Once we're all back together, and we have that camaraderie, it'll be good vibes. That's really been my main thing, trying to see what our lineup is going to be and how everybody is going to play off of each other. I'm just looking forward to that."
