Time is running out for Devin Vassell to prove he belongs in San Antonio

Although they failed to make the playoffs this season, the San Antonio Spurs have a bright future thanks to a core headlined by Victor Wembanyama. However, one player thought to be a part of that core has begun to play himself out of that grouping. Devin Vassell looked primed to break out in his fifth season but instead was a disappointment.

Vassell's roller coaster play this past season has led to increased skepticism around his game. His shot practically abandoned him, particularly in February when he shot just 25.7% from three. Given that he is mostly reliant on his jumper, it's no surprise that he was ineffective this season on offense. He also hasn't been nearly as impactful on defense as he was early on in his career.

Neither of those developments bodes well for his future with the team. Nevertheless, there are a few ways that he could still pan out and become an integral part of the Spurs going forward.

The San Antonio Spurs need Devin Vassell to thrive in a very specific role

With Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and Steph Castle, the Spurs may already have their new big three. If that is the case, then they will need a reliable fourth option, and Vassell could end up being that player.

After all, he is still under contract for the next four seasons, with his deal mostly declining while the salary cap rises by 10% each year. That makes his contract more affordable as it goes on and could prove extremely valuable if he can figure out how to play consistently.

With him locked in on an affordable contract and having previously shown the capability of being an efficient scorer, he could still thrive as a fourth option.

Devin Vassell must live up to expectations, or else

Spurs fans already know that Vassell tends to take and make tough, contested shots. That is a useful skill for a player to have, especially one that could be fourth in the pecking order.

Even despite his offensive struggles, Vassell averaged 16.3 points per game this season, and if he can still do so with lower usage, then he would be a highly useful player. With the new collective bargaining agreement making it difficult to even have a big three, the Spurs could still have four players averaging at least 15 points per game next season and the next three after that.

That would be due to Wembanyama being on a rookie-scale contract for another two seasons and Castle on his for three more years. Fox would be the highest-paid among those players, while Vassell's contract declines as the cap rises.

All in all, Vassell faces a make-or-break 2025-26 season. He likely will become the team's fourth option, and given his unique contract, he could still live up to expectations and thrive in his new role.