Devin Vassell to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery, per Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs announced earlier this evening that third-year guard/wing Devin Vassell will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee next Wednesday in New York. The Spurs have yet to provide a timetable for his eventual return, but will reportedly "provide updates on his return to the court as appropriate."

Vassell has played in 29 of the Spurs' 38 total games this season, averaging an impressive 19.4 points, 4 rebounds, 3.6 points, and 1.2 steals per game, making several short lists as one of the players in the running for the league's Most Improved Player award. Simply put, the young swingman has been in the middle of a breakout season that may now be cut short.

Vassell has reportedly been experiencing chronic knee soreness over the past several weeks, keeping him out of several games, including against the Dallas Mavericks last Saturday and in the Spurs' latest outing against the New York Knicks. According to the San Antonio Express-News' Tom Orsborn, the hope is that Vassell's surgery will prevent the chronic soreness from returning.

Vassell will undoubtedly prove to be a massive loss for the Spurs, as he's currently the team's second-leading scorer and best high-volume three-point shooter, hitting 40% of his three-point shots on seven attempts per game. Not only will his injury mean that Keldon Johnson will have to take on an increased offensive load, but it could also mean that both Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley will be seeing more playing time sooner rather than later.

Vassell's injury also coincides with the Spurs' first pre-trade deadline move of the season in their deal with the Boston Celtics. While it's only pure speculation at this point, Spurs fans may want to prepare themselves for more significant roster moves to come.

Air Alamo will continue to update fans on Vassell's status as more news and updates are made public.