Devin Vassell proving Spurs right for risky gamble critics hated

You have to admit, Vassell has been on his game.

Jahlil Williams

San Antonio Spurs Media Day / Ronald Cortes/GettyImages

It's okay; we can all admit it. Devin Vassell is on fire to start the season. The former Seminole has been one of the best role players in the league just one week in. Don't believe me? Check the plus/minus numbers across the NBA. Dev is number three, one spot ahead of Victor Wembanyama. However, if you've been watching the games, you don't need the numbers to tell you what your eyes are seeing.

Vassell is averaging 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and nearly two steals per game. He's doing it while shooting 46% from the field and 43% from 3PT. He's giving San Antonio exactly what they need from him at the time they need it the most.

Last season, the Spurs were only going to go so far with that team, but now that Victor Wembanyama has leveled up and De'Aaron Fox is here and healthy, they can make a real run in the postseason. But not if Vassell didn't come along for the ride. If he continues to hoop like this, it'll remove any potential need to make any moves at the trade deadline.

Vassell's shotmaking will play a major role in Spurs' season

San Antonio's skeptics weren't completely wrong in emphasizing the importance of proper spacing for the team this year. They were just off base on where it could come from and how capable the players already there could be. The Spurs are 7th in 3PT% so far this season, and Dev's shooting is a big part of that.

The coaching staff needs him to knock down that shot because they want him in the starting lineup. He's one of the most versatile players on the team on both sides of the ball when he's using the full range of his capabilities.

Vassell is the player who will break defenses in the playoffs when they gear up to slow down Fox and Wemby. As advanced as defenses are these days, you can't stop everyone on the court if they're all a threat to score, and Devo gives you a weapon that can bail you out when things get dicey.

It's clear that not having an offseason to work on his game slowed down the Georgia-born wing's development last year. He got that this summer, and we're all seeing the results. On any given night, the five-year vet will give a team immaculate buckets, and he's consistently applying pressure on the defensive perimeter. It's a dream scenario for everyone.

Jahlil Williams

Jahlil Williams is the Site Expert for Air Alamo, covering the San Antonio Spurs since 2023. His relentless drive and unique writing style propelled him from contributor to the leader of the Spurs-focused site in less than a year. With a Bachelor of Science in Sportscasting from the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting at Full Sail University, Jahlil learned how to perform at a high level in every aspect of sports, from writing to production, with direction from industry professionals such as Dan Patrick and Gus Ramsey. He's added WNBA coverage to his resume in 2025, with heavy focus on the Dallas Wings as a credentialed media member.