With the San Antonio Spurs encountering significant health challenges at the start of their season, the team’s ability to survive and secure victories has relied heavily on the emergence of Devin Vassell. As two key players, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, have been sidelined, Vassell has stepped up impressively, showcasing some of the most impactful basketball of his career.
In the ten games that Wembanyama and Castle missed, Vassell averaged 19.3 points per game while posting an impressive shooting percentage of 46.3% from beyond the arc on 6.7 attempts. Notably, he reached the milestone of hitting at least seven three-pointers in two separate games during this span. His performance has turned what initially appeared to be a solid season into a standout one.
So far, Vassell has participated in all 23 games of the season, averaging 15.7 points per contest and shooting 39.8% from three-point range. These statistics align closely with the expectations set for him prior to the season, demonstrating his potential. His improvements in both defense and shooting have positioned him as a critical fourth scoring option—one capable of heating up and delivering clutch performances from beyond the arc, thus becoming an invaluable asset for the Spurs.
A significant transformation in Vassell’s game has been his shot selection. Previously criticized for taking questionable shots, his recent play has exhibited a newfound efficiency. The shots he’s making are less challenging than those he typically opted for, primarily benefiting from playing off-ball. His thriving shooting touch and confidence have proven essential as the Spurs navigate the challenges of missing two of their top players.
With Vassell poised to earn more than $100 million over this season and the next three, his continued strong performance will be vital to the Spurs’ aspirations for a championship. Although some may argue he is overpaid, his positive contributions during this critical juncture have elevated his value to the team.
Interestingly, the Spurs are managing to balance Vassell’s salary by benefiting from the rookie-scale contracts of two of their star players. For the time being, this financial flexibility allows the Spurs to retain him, and his recent performances have supported maintaining his high trade value should the team ever consider that route.
Vassell currently leads the Spurs with 7.0 three-point attempts per game and boasts a shooting accuracy of 39.8% from the perimeter, ranking him among the best high-volume shooters in the NBA. Given the concerns around shooting at the season’s outset, his exceptional performance has been pivotal in elevating the team’s overall three-point percentage to 15th in the league.
While it may not seem particularly impressive at first glance, the Spurs have often found themselves with a limited shooting arsenal during Wembanyama’s absence. Had Vassell struggled to maintain his shooting prowess, the team’s standing could have been significantly more precarious. While he may not be deemed irreplaceable, his contributions have certainly been crucial for the Spurs’ success this season, affirming his importance to the squad.
