Spurs' Devin Vassell: Second-Best Player in San Antonio?
The San Antonio Spurs are not contending this season, but there is still a clear goal in mind.
Victor Wembanyama has impressed and looked like the generational prospect he was entering the league, averaging 19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. But the team success hasn't translated, conjuring a 7-33 mark through the first 40 games.
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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A large majority of the team around Wembanyama won't be there when the Spurs are ready to become contenders again, but a couple players are making a case to be a long-term sidekick for Wemby ... and the most notable one is Devin Vassell.
"This season is still about figuring out Wembanyama and more importantly, what types of players should be around him," The Athletic's Kelly Iko writes. "For any viable offensive scheme, you need a good-to-elite shooter, which is where Vassell comes in. He’s a good enough secondary/tertiary ball handler, combined with his elite floor spacing to warrant a future next to the No. 1 pick."
Vassell, 23, is averaging 17.7 points per game for the Spurs this season, while shooting a career-best 45.4 percent from beyond the arc. He's getting better with time and his five-year contract extension that he signed before the season certainly helps his longevity with San Antonio, but it doesn't guarantee his spot in the team long-term.
That being said, if Vassell can maintain this current trajectory, there's a good chance he'll be on the next great basketball team in San Antonio alongside Wembanyama.
