Looming Dylan Harper breakout makes Devin Vassell the Spurs' obvious Sixth Man

The San Antonio Spurs may start De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Harper together this season, which could force Devin Vassell to the bench. Despite him mostly being a starter over his seven years with the team, Vassell may not remain in that role much longer.

Perhaps that's for the best since it would allow the Spurs to start their four best players, including Victor Wembanyama. It could also help Vassell. He took a back seat last season and thrived in a smaller role but could be perfectly suited to come off the bench.

I don't necessarily expect Harper to start game one of the season. However, it's possible that San Antonio eventually starts the point guard trio alongside Tobias Harris or Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama.

Starting Dylan Harper could push Devin Vassell to the bench

That could be San Antonio's best possible lineup, and they should be working towards that goal this season. If Spurs assistant coach Billy Donovan, who has plenty of experience utilizing three-guard lineups, can work his magic, then the silver and black could make that lineup work.

Of course, it would mean that Vassell may be forced to the bench in favor of the 3-point guard lineup. However, a move to the bench might actually help Vassell. Vassell has always been known as a streaky shooter, one who can get hot in a hurry.

That lends itself to him coming off the bench and scoring in quick bursts. He is one of the few players on the Spurs who has that hot streak in him, and he showed it multiple times last season.

Devin Vassell could thrive as the Spurs' Sixth Man

Against the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Cup tournament game, he drilled seven threes and scored 35 points on the road to help San Antonio pick up a massive win. He also drilled seven threes and scored 28 points on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Of course, he didn't come off the bench in either game, but Wembanyama and Castle missed both games. That shows he is capable of scoring without San Antonio's best players on the court.

A second unit consisting of Vassell, Johnson, Harris, and Luke Kornet playing alongside one of Fox, Castle, or Harper could be terrific.

Overall, if the Spurs can make a starting lineup that includes Fox, Castle, Harper, and Wembanyama work, then Vassell may be the odd man out. However, he has the skill set needed to thrive as a Sixth Man, which could potentially make starting Harper and bringing Vassell off the bench a win-win.

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