Devin Vassell
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Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs have missed the last 13 games due to injury.
The San Antonio Spurs have played their last 13 games without Devin Vassell, who has been dealing with an adductor injury since December 29. The Spurs announced huge news regarding Vassell ahead of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
Vassell suffered a strained adductor in the Spurs’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in late December. He was ruled out indefinitely, with Julian Champagnie stepping up into a starting role in his absence.
Champagnie is averaging 16.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his last 13 games, filling in as a starter. He’s shooting 46.6% from the field, 43.2% from 3-point range and 78.8% from the free-throw line.
In Vassell’s absence, the Spurs put together a winning record of 8-5. They remain second in the West standings at 31-14 and are just 5.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Vassell’s Injury Status for Pelicans Game
Before suffering the adductor injury, Devin Vassell was averaging 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game before his injury. Vassell’s role was reduced, with Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle being the first three options on offense for the Spurs.
After missing the last 13 games, Vassell is set to make his return on Sunday against the Pelicans. The Spurs’ latest injury report has cleared the 25-year-old swingman, and he is available for their home game versus the worst team in the Western Conference.
Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s practice, Vassell was asked about the possibility of a minutes restriction. He doesn’t know how many minutes he’ll be getting in his return, but it won’t be surprising if the Spurs limit his playing time to ease him into the speed of the game.
“I don’t know what the minutes are going to look like, but I’m just excited to be back out there. I’m good to go,” Vassell said, via Hector Ledesma of ClutchPoints.
According to the Carl Todd Clinic, adductor strains are harder to recover from compared to hamstring strains. It should be noted that Fox wasn’t subjected to a minutes restriction after missing the first eight games of the season due to a strained hamstring.
Vassell Opens Up About His Recovery
It has been a grueling month for Devin Vassell, who opened up about his recovery in a post-practice availability on Saturday. Vassell wanted to return as quickly as possible, but the complicated nature of soft tissue injuries made him realize that patience was needed.
“Injuries are injuries, man, and they suck. I wanted to pretty much play every game, but when an injury like that happens, and how the season has been and stuff like that with an injury like that, take your time, try to get back. Good rehab. I’ve been getting some good workouts in with my guys, and I just feel good,” Vassell said, via Hector Ledesma of ClutchPoints.
Regardless of how the team has been performing amid his absence, Vassell only cares about playing and helping his teammates. He’s more than excited to make his return and contribute in the best way he can through his shooting and scoring.