No. 2 options ranked: How high Vassell must climb for Spurs to reclaim aura

Devin Vassell found himself ranked 23 on Yahoo! Sports’ list of the best No. 2 options across the NBA. That's his role on the Spurs and they need him to excel in it to truly tap into their potential and get back to the level of success San Antonio fans are used to.

Vassell must climb higher on that list, aiming to become a top-15 second option ASAP. That climb is crucial if the Spurs hope to establish themselves as contenders in the near future.

When you look at the top 15 players on the list, there’s a common thread: almost all of them were major contributors to playoff teams. Even Julius Randle, who missed time during the playoffs for the Knicks, regularly averages over 24 points per game, nearly ten rebounds, and five assists, bringing consistent high-level production.

These are not just complementary players—they’re pivotal to their teams’ success. For the Spurs to reach their potential, Vassell will need to join that tier of players who consistently make a major impact on the court.

However, the Spurs operate in a different system compared to some of these teams, so Vassell might not need to stuff the stat sheet in the same way as a Randle or other top-tier second options.

What’s more important is his ability to deliver when it matters most, whether it’s playing lockdown defense, hitting timely shots, or stepping up in clutch moments. The recognition of his value can come not just through gaudy statistics but through consistent, reliable performances that help San Antonio win games.

The players ranked just above Vassell on the list—Miles Bridges (20), Jerami Grant (21), and Andrew Wiggins (22)—offer an interesting comparison. They are all talented, but their situations come with uncertainty, either due to off-court issues, age, or inconsistency.

Once you get past the top 15, the list becomes more debatable, with some players not being as clearly impactful or having question marks about their long-term fit with their teams. This is where Vassell needs to separate himself and rise above this tier of players.

To become a top-15 No. 2 option, Vassell must focus on several key areas. First, his defense needs to bounce back. He was a tougher defender in his first two years in the NBA. The Spurs will rely on him to be a two-way threat, shutting down opponents while also contributing on offense.

This brings up the next area of focus; offense. He’ll need to be more aggressive, attacking the basket and not settling for jump shots when lanes open up.

His free-throw percentage also needs to improve, ensuring that he capitalizes on every opportunity to score. He was an 80% shooter from the charity stripe last season. That number should be much higher.

Finally, Vassell must deliver timely buckets in games that matter, proving that he can handle pressure and be a go-to guy when the Spurs need him most.

There’s no doubt that Vassell has the talent to climb the ranks and become a top-15 No. 2 option in the NBA. His journey begins on October 24, when the Spurs tip off their season against the Dallas Mavericks. If Vassell can elevate his game to match other elite secondary options, the Silver and Black will be back in the mix faster than you can say "Wembanyama will be the GOAT."