It's been a season of ups and downs for the San Antonio Spurs, who lost Victor Wembanyama for the year, after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, but also acquired All-Star point guard De'Aaron Fox before the deadline.
In the middle of the highs and lows is Devin Vassell, who's also had a foot in each camp throughout the year.
Getting back into rhythm
Vassell spent most the season playing a far more passive role than before, settling in for about 15 points per game, and becoming a bit of an afterthought in San Antonio's offense.
Fortunately, the shooting guard is ramping up. Over the past 13 games, Vassell is averaging 20.3 points, and 5.5 rebounds, while cashing in on 44.2% of his three-point shots.
While the season is more or less over for San Antonio, having Vassell return to this level of productivity is crucial for the Spurs as to provide him with a strong finish to the year, so he can step into next season more confident of his abilities.
At 6'5, and with a strong nose for scoring on the perimeter, Vassell is able to both shoot off the catch, and off his own creation.
During Wembanyama's rookie season, Vassell was often a highly effective release valve to the offense, in particular when defenses would key onto the 7'4 center.
This season the Spurs brought in Chris Paul, and Harrison Barnes to aid the offense, and Vassell's role became less consistent.
The emergence of rookie Stephon Castle also put Vassell's role into murky waters.
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With Fox sidelined - also for the year - Vassell is now getting touches and shots, and the Spurs will need to find a way to keep that going.
Figuring out the rotation next year
Going into next season, Vassell has to feature more consistently in the offense. Castle, at this point, is not a strong shooter, and the Spurs overall lack proper floor spacing.
Jeremy Sochan, who is getting better and better every season, isn't a natural shooter either, and even Fox has a long history of inconsistent results from behind the three-point line.
Vassell is still, and clearly, the best alternative they have at the off-guard spot in terms of having a player who can both create his own looks, and get set up by others.
For a team that will need to optimize the floor spacing around Wembanyama, Vassell should feature more heavily in their plans.
The end to this season goes a decent way in giving the Spurs a chance to remember how dynamic he can be.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats viaNBA.com,PBPStats,Cleaning the Glass orBasketball-Reference. All salary information viaSpotrac. All odds courtesy ofFanDuel Sportsbook.