Devin Vassell will eventually find out if he's done enough to stay in Spurs' starting 5

The San Antonio Spurs are still awaiting the debut of Tobias Harris, and depending on how he fits, it could result in Devin Vassell coming off the bench. San Antonio opted to keep Vassell in the starting five when they promoted Dylan Harper, but that caused a potential ripple effect.

We have yet to see the full extent of that lineup change, with Harris having yet to play, but it may result in the Spurs having a logjam at forward. Harris, Julian Champagnie, Keldon Johnson, and Carter Bryant are all coming off the bench, giving the Spurs plenty—likely too many—forwards to choose from.

As a result, once Harris is healthy, Coach Mitch Johnson may have to reevaluate the starting five, and Vassell may be the odd man out.

Devin Vassell may soon find out if he'll stay in the Spurs' starting 5

With Vassell currently starting, the Spurs simply have too many forwards on the bench. Therefore, it makes sense for Coach Johnson to consider replacing him with Harris or Champagnie.

That wouldn't be based on Vassell's play thus far. He's averaging a solid 10.6 points, even though his 3-point shot has yet to fall consistently, and he's playing good defense.

That makes benching him a tough decision, but the Spurs' second unit wouldn't make sense if they don't. Perhaps Coach Johnson already plans on making a change once Harris is back and fully integrated into the rotation.

Starting Harris or Champagnie seems like a reasonable move since it would add more size to the starting five. Meanwhile, having Vassell come off the bench gives San Antonio more guard depth, and his scoring ability is better served playing with the second unit.

Devin Vassell may come off the bench this season

If Coach Johnson were to make that change, it would make the rotation more balanced. On the flip side, the Spurs' current starting five has been dominant, so messing with that comes with its own risks.

Another option might be for the Spurs to continue starting Vassell but shorten the bench. Perhaps fewer minutes for Keldon Johnson, in favor of playing Harris and Champagnie in the second unit alongside Luke Kornet and two guards.

That might be the best option with Johnson not playing particularly well. Compare that to Vassell, who is making a positive impact and still has more to contribute once his shooting improves to the mean.

Overall, we will soon see if Vassell will stay in the starting five. Once Harris returns, it could shake up the rotation, though Vassell has played well enough to keep his spot in the starting lineup.

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