Turns out Devin Vassell might just be the quiet engine that makes the Spurs go. While Victor Wembanyama grabs the headlines - and rightfully so - it’s Vassell who’s been the steadying force behind San Antonio’s surprisingly strong start.
The numbers tell the story: the Spurs are 23-9 when Vassell suits up. That’s a win percentage north of 70%.
Without him? Just 7-5.
Respectable, sure, but a noticeable drop-off - and over a large enough sample to matter.
The difference is especially stark on the offensive end. With Vassell in the lineup, San Antonio’s offensive rating ranked sixth in the league at 118.
Since he’s been sidelined, they’ve tumbled to 20th, down to 112.9. That’s not just a dip - that’s the difference between a team that can go toe-to-toe with anyone on any given night and one that’s grinding just to keep pace.
It’s tempting to think Wembanyama could carry the offensive load himself - and one day, he probably will. But he’s still learning the ropes on that end of the floor.
The flashes are there, no doubt, but consistency takes time. That’s why having a balanced roster is so critical right now.
And in that balance, Vassell is the piece that keeps everything level.
When you break down the roster, Vassell’s role becomes even more essential. Plenty of guys on this team bring something to the table - Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper are at their best attacking the rim.
Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes stretch the floor and can drive when needed. Keldon Johnson brings that same downhill mentality with a bit more physicality and fire.
But none of them can do what Vassell does.
He’s the only one who can consistently create his own shot from all three levels - especially in the midrange, where he’s become a go-to option when the offense stalls. That ability to pull up off the dribble and hit tough, contested shots isn't just a luxury - it’s a necessity for a team still finding its offensive identity.
And the impact shows up in the data. Vassell carries a +4.5 offensive swing in the Spurs' on/off numbers.
For a player who doesn’t dominate the ball or post gaudy usage rates, that’s a massive impact. He raises the offensive floor just by being on the court, giving San Antonio a reliable scoring option who fits seamlessly alongside Wemby and the rest of the young core.
Defensively, the Spurs are in good hands. Wembanyama has already shown he can anchor an elite unit on that end, altering shots and covering ground like few others can. But to keep pace with the league’s top teams, the offense has to hold up its end - and that’s where Vassell’s presence is sorely missed.
So while Wemby might be the franchise’s future, Devin Vassell is its present-day stabilizer. Until he’s back, expect San Antonio’s offense to continue riding the rollercoaster. When he returns, don’t be surprised if they start looking like a team no one wants to face in the West.