After having missed the last six games, San Antonio Spurs fans are getting a taste of life without Devin Vassell. They shouldn't like what they have seen. In his absence with an abductor strain, the Spurs' 3-point shooting has cratered, with them [connecting on just 28.3% of their threes](https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=spurs+3-point+shooting+percentage+in+their+last+six+games) without him in the lineup.
Of course, all of that can't be attributed to Vassell, who himself was in a mini-slump prior to his injury. Still, he is arguably their best shooter and a reliable fourth option that fans are only now just missing when he's gone.
San Antonio's offense just hasn't hit the same with Vassell's sizzling shooting, and they have had several recent ugly losses that they could have and should have won had he played.
The Spurs need Devin Vassell far more than expected
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Given San Antonio's rough shooting to start off the year, it's ironic that Vassell's return could [have a major impact](https://airalamo.com/spurs-already-have-brewing-devin-vassell-problem-their-hands). It wasn't that long ago that he was viewed as a hot-and-cold shooter who had terrible shot selection.
To his credit, he's always been great at hitting tough shots and has often not received the credit he's deserved as a shooter. He's legitimately one of the better high-volume shooters in the NBA and has taken much better shots this season.
That has made him a key member of the starting five, with his offense helping to offset bad nights from Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, or Stephon Castle. In fact, when the Spurs were missing two of those three players, Vassell was the one that elevated his game.
Devin Vassell gives San Antonio a reliable fourth option
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He helped San Antonio get a road win against the Portland Trail Blazers by dropping 23 points. Vassell then led the team to a stunning win over the Denver Nuggets in the Mile High City, with him connecting on a blistering seven threes en route to 35 points.
While players such as Julian Champagnie or Harrison Barnes have also had big games this season, their lows have been far lower than Vassell's. He's been a steadying force on both ends of the floor. Yes, defense is included.
His activity level has increased significantly over last season, and he has reclaimed his reputation as being a solid team defender. Ultimately, with San Antonio still struggling to knock down threes, they desperately need Vassell back.
His 3-point shooting and overall offensive contributions have been underrated this season, as has his defense. We are just now getting a chance to appreciate his importance to the team.