With the start of training camp fast approaching, we will soon have the opportunity to see the new-look San Antonio Spurs in action. This will give fans their first opportunity to see recently signed Chris Paul play alongside potential superstar Victor Wembanyama. This is expected to be a dangerous pairing, with Paul looking like he’s tailor-made to help Wembanyama and the young Spurs.
While the Paul signing is widely seen as a way to unlock Wembayama’s full potential, it could also greatly benefit the Spurs’ second-leading scorer, Devin Vassell. Vassell has gone unnoticed on a national level because he plays in the shadow of a giant, but he has quietly developed into one of the NBA’s best shooters.
23-year-old Devin Vassell is poised for an impactful season…
One of the best three-point shooters from the corner. Can make it off the jump or off the catch. Soft touch when he gets to the basket (I’d like to see him run downhill more often). And a smart and versatile defender/playmaker. Excellent young player. https://t.co/T0hfVyRmQp pic.twitter.com/oTPjMAOTjd
— NBA University (@NBA_University) 12 August 2024
Vassell excels at sinking pull-up jumpers off the dribble, especially on contested shots, making him one of the NBA’s most difficult-to-shoot shooters. Last season, he shot an outstanding 54.2% from the field on 7.9 contested or very contested shots per game and 53.4% on open or completely open shots, according to NBA.com.
This can be both good and bad, as Vassell is able to make reliable hits no matter how difficult they are. On the other hand, difficult hits lead to bad habits, like settling for the first hit that comes along instead of looking for better ones.
NBA legend Charles Barkley even pointed out this mistake when the Spurs played a nationally televised game on TNT, but Paul could change that. With Paul running the offense, Vassell has easier shots. Paul would likely play spread pick and roll while Wembanyama rolls to the basket with three shooters around him.
Vassell could be happy with teams trying to prevent Wembanyama from making easy shots at the basket by getting help from the outside. Getting the ball out of Vassell’s hands more often could also help him by using him more often in blocks or direct handoffs to make easier shots. That would keep him from resorting to contested jump shots again.
Wembanyama’s use in the post could also help against teams that are sure to double-team, as he leaves someone free on the perimeter, allowing the Spurs to swing the ball around and potentially give Vassell a clear view. These adjustments to the Spurs offense should help Vassell make a big jump next season and potentially help San Antonio do the same in the standings.
