Why One Spurs Player Could Be Pivotal To Their Championship Aspirations

The San Antonio Spurs are aiming to enter the upcoming season as a playoff-caliber team, with recent additions such as Luke Kornet, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper looking to help bring winning ways back to the franchise. The latter, who was the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, now gives the Spurs one of the best backcourt rotations in the league.

As most people know, however, it's not just the main players that win you an NBA championship in 2025. This year's finals matchup between the OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers showcased two teams with immense depth, proving that teams can't just rely on their stars to deliver every night.

San Antonio Spurs Depth Chart: 2025-26 Season.

Trading Harrison Barnes will make this team the funnest to watch in the league.

One alien and three crafty guards. A healthy veteran mix. Playoff bound.

Prediction: 5th Seed West.#nba #spurs #sanantoniospurs pic.twitter.com/ynLd2tqdqt
— marcustalksball (@marcustalksball) September 1, 2025

Looking at San Antonio's roster, one of those under-the-radar players could be Devin Vassell. The 25-year-old out of Florida State just finished his fifth season in the NBA, with averages of 16.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.

With Vassell being the projected starter for the Spurs and the team finally looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019, this could be the "X factor" the team has been seeking. While Victor Wembanyama and Fox will get most of the attention as the All-Stars on this roster, Vassell could sneakily become a reliable third option for San Antonio.

The Need and Reasoning for Vassell's High Level Play

“He’s sneaky [and] super athletic on both ends of the floor.”

Longtime Spurs player @mattbonner_15 tells @BGeltzNBA and @VinceGoodwill Devin Vassell is going to be an important piece to San Antonio’s success this season. pic.twitter.com/8ypYJ4E9rB
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) August 30, 2025

Former Spurs champion Matt Bonner already thinks that's in the realm of possibility, already using X Factor to describe Vassell. "One of my big keys to the Spurs' success: (Vasell). He's sneaky, super athletic on both ends of the floor. He's just got to stay healthy and stay on the floor. When people look (at the Spurs' roster), they forget about him -- he's a really good player."

It's high praise from a player who's been through it all, especially from the same organization, one that has cultivated a winning culture throughout the last 25 years, winning five championships.

San Antonio Spurs, Devin Vassell — Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard-forward Devin Vassell (24) dribbles the ball upcourt in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Vassell might not be the flashiest name on the team, but there's no doubt he can put the ball in the basket when asked to, as seen by his career-high 37 points last season against the Brooklyn Nets. With Carter Bryant and the young guards on this roster looking to earn their roles on the team, this upcoming season will be pivotal for how Vassell's future in San Antonio pans out.

And as this team grows and develops into a potential championship contender down the line, Vassell could be a significant contributor for them if he's able to stick around and establish himself as a leader on this team.

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The Need and Reasoning for Vassell's High Level Play

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