Although Devin Vassell’s stats lead some fans to conclude he’s dropped off, his role as the ‘glue guy’ is pivotal. Once thought of as the best player on the Spurs, his name is brought up often in hypothetical trades. However, as his stats have fallen, the Spurs’ win percentage has risen. Is he the symptom or the cause?
Why Devin Vassell Is the Glue Guy For The Spurs
Devin Vassell’s Return To The Lineup
After missing time due to an adductor strain, Vassell returned for two games against the Pelicans and the Rockets this week. In the 13-game stretch in which Vassell was absent, the Spurs struggled uncharacteristically. 7 wins and 5 losses put the stretch below average for the Spurs this season, so it seems clear that the Spurs need him. However, Vassell’s shooting percentage and overall points per game have been dropping season by season. So, what exactly is the young forward’s value to the Spurs?
Who Was Vassell Supposed To Be?
Vassell was drafted after San Antonio’s first season, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 90’s. The aftermath of the Kawhi Leonard trade was clear: San Antonio couldn’t compete for a title with DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge. It was time to blow things up and start again, a scary prospect for a team that hadn’t had to since dial-up internet and pagers. As the 11th pick, he was also the highest pick since the 90’s for Pop’s team. But his draft value to the Spurs was seen as a top 3 & D draft pick and not a potential star, despite his high placement. Although he didn’t wow in his first season, his second season saw a jump in minutes, as the starting lineup immediately became better with him spacing the floor.
However, in his third and fourth years, he averaged nearly 20 points and evolved as a three-level scorer. Using his highly touted athleticism and improved jump shot, he increased his scoring closer to the basket. His high shot release allowed him to warm up near the paint, leading to defenders having difficulty contesting. This ability to score at all levels and create his own shot within the arc led to speculation that the Spurs had their next star. After years without having a player drafted by the Spurs in the All-Star Game, the Spurs’ formula that led to so much winning had seemingly returned. However, now he finds himself viewed as being outside of the core by some fans. So, what happened?
Is Vassell In A Slump?
After two years of recession in terms of offensive production, Vassell’s stats sit with shooting in the low 40s and points below 15. He once looked like the Spurs’ second or third scoring option behind Victor Wembanyama. Now, he has been passed up by fans in being identified as a part of the Spurs’ big three. Some even hope for a trade. The parts of Vassell’s game that made him look like a star had hurt his production. No longer being the focus on offense, he had to go back to his three-point focused role. He could no longer isolate and patiently hunt for a mid-range shot.
However, what made this the worst time for Vassell to change his game was San Antonio’s biggest criticisms. Despite the Spurs’ much-improved record, they are still trying to fight their reputation as a three-pointer-reliant team. Wembanayma’s first two years in the league coincided with the Spurs desperately trying to improve their shooting. This led to empty possessions as the Spurs shot as many threes as possible. With Vassell shooting so many of those threes, the criticism naturally went his way. The 2024 and 2025 seasons are the only seasons in which Vassell’s 3-point shooting percentage dropped.
Why Vassell Is A Winning Player
A deeper look at his stats tells a different story. As a high-volume three-point shooter, his field goal percentage is more reflective of his shooting from deep than his overall efficiency. After all, more than half of his shots are from past the arc. Furthermore, his turnovers are extremely rare this season, and his lowest as a consistent starter. This makes him a trustworthy ball handler, something the Spurs are wisely stocking up on. Teams like the Thunder have done the same. Vassell is also an underrated defender, adding a steal per game. His athleticism is just as important as his shooting, too. He is always a threat to cut to the basket and throw down a dunk. Devin hasn’t truly declined offensively. He has given his teammates more opportunities instead.
However, the most important thing about Vassell is his hustle. His 6th season with the Spurs could mark their return to the playoffs, making him a leader among this young team. In San Antonio’s Wednesday night win against the Rockets, Vassell was a key presence in the 3rd quarter. Although he didn’t have an impressive stat line to show it, Vassell immediately came in to fight on the boards, giving his teammates opportunities for second-chance points and spacing the floor. The Spurs were able to tie up the game in the 3rd and later get the win because of his efforts. Vassell’s skills are exactly why he has the 3rd best plus-minus on the team and the best plus-minus of his career. Even if his points continue to decline, the success of his team is a testament to his efforts. Undoubtedly, Devin Vassell is the glue guy for the Spurs.
Featured Image: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
