Takeaway #2: Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell have seamlessly shifted into bigger roles.
Prior to the start of the season, there were major questions about how this team would score without Dejounte Murray there to help prop up their offense. Johnson and Devin Vassell seemed like the most obvious answers, but becoming the team’s first and second options required them to take a big offensive leap.
Fortunately, both did just that, and the Spurs now have two players averaging over 20 points per game. Their development has helped keep the Spurs competitive this season while they continue to develop their young roster. It also has big ramifications for the franchise going forward. Johnson signed a four-year, $74 million extension over the summer, and if he is indeed a star, then that contract looks like an absolute steal.
Thus far, he has mostly played like a star, the last few games aside. His star turn has largely been a result of his 3-point shooting and his staggering 8.4 threes per game, as well as him being a better driver.
Meanwhile, the Spurs traded White to give Vassell playing time, and he’s responded by becoming one of the better two-way players in the NBA. He’s also become a high-volume 3-point shooter and has thrived by creating for himself using ball screens, something that he rarely did in his first three seasons.
Without either player stepping up, the Spurs would be far worse than 6-15 and also have a much bleaker outlook going forward. Fortunately, both players have and that gives the Spurs plenty of options going forward.