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We Got Next: A closer look at the NBA’s 5 newest stars

By Thomas J. Brown

Oct 11, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) brings the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) brings the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) and guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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Devin Vassell, NBA : Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Vassell, NBA : Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA: Devin Vassell – San Antonio Spurs

Devin Vassell is a 6’5″ shooting guard who left Florida State after his sophomore season. Over the course of his first two years with the San Antonio Spurs, he showed the ability to contribute at the professional level. His scoring increased from 5.5 points per game as a rookie to 12.3 points per game in his second season.

Although Coach Gregg Popovich had to be pleased with the improvements of the player he selected with the 11th pick in the 2020 NBA draft, it is doubtful that he anticipated the leap that Vassell has taken thus far in his third season. One of the areas in which Vassell has shown steady improvement is his ability to knock down the 3-point shot. So far this season, Vassell is shooting a career-best 42.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Gregg Popovich deserves some credit for ushering in the modern style of play in the NBA, as it was his 2014 team that dismantled the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals with a barrage of deadly shooting from behind the 3-point line. Seeing his starting shooting guard increase in accuracy has to be pleasing to the five-time champion head coach.

However, Vassell’s improvement is more than just accuracy; it’s also a result of a more aggressive mindset overall. This season, Vassell is averaging 16.6 shot attempts per game, by far the most of his career. He is also shooting a career-high 3.1 free throws per game, which means he is driving to the basket and drawing fouls on a more regular basis.

All of this has translated into an average of 20.9 points per contest, which is even more essential considering the team traded away All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in the offseason. Vassell may not make the All-Star team this year, but if he continues to improve at this rate, it will be an unavoidable part of his future.

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