Many expect the San Antonio Spurs will make a big leap next season thanks to potential superstar Victor Wembanyama. His ascent into superstar status could help San Antonio shoot up the standings but that will be in jeopardy with an early injury to Devin Vassell.
.@BobbyMarks42 on Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs starting the season without Devin Vassell:
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 27, 2024
"[With] how deep the Western Conference is, you do not want to get off to a 2-8 start." pic.twitter.com/ZplpeYRXVN
Vassell is the Spurs' second-best player, having averaged 19.5 points per game last season. However, he will miss several weeks to start the season. Vassell's injury is a gut punch to the Spurs, who were in need of a good start to improve their play-in chances.
It also calls into question his ability to stay healthy, with him missing significant time over each of the last three seasons. In the meantime, fourth-overall pick Stephon Castle will likely start at shooting guard for the Spurs, and that gives him a chance at early playing time. That could prove to be a silver lining, with Castle projected to be the team's backup shooting guard prior to Vassell's injury.
San Antonio Spurs' bitter injury update offset by sweet silver linings
Castle's defensive versatility and potential as a playmaker should prove helpful. While Vassell is a good defender, his defense has slipped as he has increased his offensive workload. Having Castle harass opposing guards should make life easier for both Chris Paul and Wembanyama. It would also give Castle hands-on experience playing with Paul, whom he might eventually replace at point guard.
It's not all bad news for the Spurs on the injury front, with center Charles Bassey seemingly ahead of schedule after tearing his ACL in January. He will be ready to start the season and gives the Spurs more depth behind Wembanyama, with Bassey having played well before his injury. If Wemby misses any time due to injury, Bassey can effectively slot in and give San Antonio 20 solid minutes per game.
He may even give them the flexibility to trade Zach Collins if the opportunity presents itself with Collins overpaid relative to a backup center while Bassey is making the minimum.
Getting their top-five pick early playing time should speed up his development. Also, getting their center back ahead of schedule will give them more injury insurance. That may not offset the loss of Vassell but could make the Spurs a better team when he returns to the lineup.