The San Antonio Spurs are primed to make one of the biggest leaps next season, yet their odds of making a postseason run remain slim.
Even in a stacked Western Conference, a much-improved Spurs team will struggle, though Devin Vassell's breakout will undoubtedly assist.
Vassell, along with Victor Wembanyama, was the only Spur to reach HoopsHype's top 100 players list for the next season. Wembanyama was ranked tenth
which is impressive considering his lack of NBA experience, but Vassell dropped all the way to 76th.
Vassell was ranked two spots higher than Herb Jones (who is also criminally underestimated) and three spots lower than Bradley Beal, but he should be closer to the top 50.
March 25, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) dribbles during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Frost Bank Center.
While the path is difficult, the Spurs may make the playoffs this season. If that's the case, Vassell would be the second-best player on a playoff squad.
Even if the Spurs fall short, he will be the second-best player on a young team, which should be valuable.
"As the legend of Victor Wembanyama continues to grow, Vassell is a name that should start to get more popular among casual fans, as he's both productive and impactful on a nightly basis," according to HoopsHype.