The San Antonio Spurs are on a roll, and Devin Vassell is a big reason why. With two consecutive Rookie of the Year winners and All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox, the Spurs are already stacked, but it was Vassell who shone brightest in their 10th straight victory against a resilient Toronto Raptors team. Despite Victor Wembanyama struggling with his shot, Vassell stepped up, dropping 21 points and hitting 5-of-6 from beyond the arc.
Devin Vassell: The Spurs' Secret Weapon
Vassell's recent performance has added a new layer to the Spurs' offensive strategy. Known for their solid offense but lacking in outside shooting, Vassell has become a crucial asset. Over the last four games, he's been on fire, shooting 16-of-25 from three-point range and maintaining a season average of 37.8 percent.
This shooting prowess is vital for a team that leans heavily on Vassell and Julian Champagnie for their three-point production. Together, they contribute 4.9 of the Spurs' 13.1 threes per game.
Harrison Barnes adds another 1.9 per game at 37.5 percent. Unlike a typical catch-and-shoot player, Vassell's ability to pass effectively opens up the floor for Wembanyama, creating more opportunities for the team.
Addressing the Spurs' Outside Shooting Weakness
While the Spurs boast athletic guards who excel at driving to the basket, their perimeter shooting has room for improvement. Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, while stellar on defense, struggle from deep, shooting 29.5 percent and 25.4 percent respectively. Even Fox is shooting just 34.7 percent from three-point range.
Despite their field goal percentages being over 47 percent, the lack of consistent outside shooting can affect spacing. Vassell's ability to stretch the defense is crucial, as it opens lanes for the guards and gives Wembanyama space to operate near the basket.
The Consistency Challenge
Vassell's consistency is key. After missing four weeks due to an abductor injury, he initially struggled to find his rhythm, shooting 11-of-47 in his first nine games back. If he can maintain his current form and increase his shot volume, the Spurs' offense could potentially match their championship-caliber defense.
In summary, Devin Vassell's emergence as a reliable outside shooter is a game-changer for the Spurs. If he continues to deliver, the Spurs could be a formidable force on both ends of the court.