NBA: Role Players who could become stars elsewhere

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 24: Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets in action during the second half at Toyota Center on November 24, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 24: Christian Wood #35 of the Houston Rockets in action during the second half at Toyota Center on November 24, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 26. Devin Vassell

As the third of four San Antonio Spurs on the list, Devin Vassell was buried so deep on the bench last season he is still brushing dirt off. As a promising rookie, he played just 17.0 minutes per game for a lottery team playing for a chance to make it into the play-in. Now he is getting more run and is showing some of the potential that got him drafted in the lottery.

In just 25.8 minutes per game Vassell is averaging 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game on shooting splits of .467/.393/.727. He has scored in double-figures in 10 of his 17 games. He was a knockdown shooter in college and is blossoming into that now that he is actually seeing the floor this season.

Much like the next prospect and the two that we previously discussed, not all of the Spurs on this list necessarily need to be moved to realize their potential. If the wing rotation was whittled down, Vassell could thrive in this system. However, with so many people struggling to get ahead of his growth will continue to be curtailed. Unfortunately for the next person on the list if he enjoys his time in Texas, he could be the one finding himself looking for somewhere else to call home.