The Rented Airport Radisson Ballroom of Devin Vassell

[John B]

Step backs, floaters, a dunk, 3s, etc.

3-and-D player :lol

Nah not just a 3-and-D player. That’s limiting his game. The guy has higher ceiling. He could possibly be the best player of the team, as he has the most complete game.

[spurraider21]

uzIuhTeEF_A
couldn't be happier. he looked completely lost after the midpoint of his rookie season, and frankly, was a big disappointment in summer league.

[ceperez]

https://twitter.com/DrewEubanks12/status/1451055540751241216

[cd98]

Lost in all the Primo hype is the truth that Vassell's ceiling is an all-star and a top 3 two-way player in this league. He's got a smooth jump shot. He's athletic and long. He has reasonably good court vision and dribbling skills. And he has a motor and does not show fear. Now, deep breath, he looked great against Orlando, which is going to be one of the two worst teams in the league. But still, let's overhype this guy a little. He's a lot closer to being our best player and a top NBA player than anyone on this roster not named Murray/White.

[ceperez]

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/1451013418014629891

[emanueldavidginobili]

I really don't care if he starts or comes off the bench at this point, even though he should start, just play this kid 30 plus minutes per game. He does it all, 46% from the field 39% from three, great defense and his offense is looking smooth as hell. He's scored 19 plus points 5 out of his first 13 games this season, the most points he scored in a game last season was 18 and his second highest 14. It's a small sample size but his ceiling is looking very high.

[John B]

I really don't care if he starts or comes off the bench at this point, even though he should start, just play this kid 30 plus minutes per game. He does it all, 46% from the field 39% from three, great defense and his offense is looking smooth as hell. He's scored 19 plus points 5 out of his first 13 games this season, the most points he scored in a game last season was 18 and his second highest 14. It's a small sample size but his ceiling is looking very high.

Agree. I think it would also get Derrick off the slump not as a demotion but having more freedom to score in the 2nd unit with Lonnie. But boy DJM and Vassell would be one of the best defensive guards in the league.

[exstatic]

Vassell is railing, and all people can do is cry about Primo.

His offense is nice, but I’ve been most impressed by his on the ball defense this year. Last year, most of his steals came from jumping passing lanes, but someone must have locked him in the video room with Dejounte on loop, because he has that little poke steal down.

[jermaine]

Vassell is railing, and all people can do is cry about Primo.

His offense is nice, but I’ve been most impressed by his on the ball defense this year. Last year, most of his steals came from jumping passing lanes, but someone must have locked him in the video room with Dejounte on loop, because he has that little poke steal down.

I hate to say it buy Vassell reminds me of a young Kawhi.

[Dejounte]

I hate to say it buy Vassell reminds me of a young Kawhi.

bruh nah Kawhi was built like a rock and was way more physical than Vassell. He could clear space with his strength alone. Vassell is more like Ray Allen but with better defense

[Budkin]

bruh nah Kawhi was built like a rock and was way more physical than Vassell. He could clear space with his strength alone. Vassell is more like Ray Allen but with better defense

Dude I'll take that in a second!

[Slippy]

Start the man.

[Dejounte]

Dude I'll take that in a second!

Ray Allen at age 21: 13.4 ppg, 2.6 apg, 4.0 rbg, 0.9 spg, 0.1 bpg, 39.3 3 pt% on 3.6 three pt attempts

Devin Vassell at age 21: 12.8 ppg, 1.6 apg, 4.2 rbg, 1.2 spg, 0.7 bpg, 40.9 3 pt% on 5.1 three pt attempts (season not done obviously)

[exstatic]

Start the man.

If Lonnie were ballin’, maybe, but if you start him, your bench is void. Nothing.

[Maddog]

His numbers are pretty similar to Tyrese haliburton whom many said should have taken (both pre draft and during last season).
Of course different types of players, but not looking so obvious now

[Seventyniner]

Ray Allen at age 21: 13.4 ppg, 2.6 apg, 4.0 rbg, 0.9 spg, 0.1 bpg, 39.3 3 pt% on 3.6 three pt attempts

Devin Vassell at age 21: 12.8 ppg, 1.6 apg, 4.2 rbg, 1.2 spg, 0.7 bpg, 40.9 3 pt% on 5.1 three pt attempts (season not done obviously)

Don't forget that Ray Allen played 30.9 MPG in that season and Vassell is at 26.4.

I wouldn't read too much into the 3PA numbers because the league is a lot different now, but the other numbers mostly favor Vassell if anything.

I didn't realize Vin Baker played 40 MPG for that 96-97 Bucks team. Yuck.

[John B]

Don't forget that Ray Allen played 30.9 MPG in that season and Vassell is at 26.4.

I wouldn't read too much into the 3PA numbers because the league is a lot different now, but the other numbers mostly favor Vassell if anything.

I didn't realize Vin Baker played 40 MPG for that 96-97 Bucks team. Yuck.

I think Devin would pass Allen as a defensive player. I really think he will be Spurs’ lockdown defender when everything is done, like Elliot, Bruce, Danny and Kawhi. Already I see Devin taking the best G/SF whenever he’s in. And ultimately PF on small ball. As soon as his body develops to start throwing his weight around, Devin would be a force both sides of the court, a poorman Pippen? Or as he puts it, the best ever? :lol

[exstatic]

I think Devin would pass Allen as a defensive player. I really think he will be Spurs’ lockdown defender when everything is done, like Elliot, Bruce, Danny and Kawhi. Already I see Devin taking the best G/SF whenever he’s in. And ultimately PF on small ball. As soon as his body develops to start throwing his weight around, Devin would be a force both sides of the court, a poorman Pippen? Or as he puts it, the best ever? :lol

Pass Ray Allen as a defensive player? He’s already a better defender than Allen ever was in his career. His on ball defense is entering DJ territory: someone that ball handlers fear to bring the ball up against.

[Chomag]

Ray Allen seems like a pretty decent comparison but I still see a bit more of a Scottie Pippen type in him

[Dejounte]

Ray Allen seems like a pretty decent comparison but I still see a bit more of a Scottie Pippen type in him

Devin is not the type of defender that will make a player shoot low percentages. He’s not there yet. He’s a team defender, and is a maestro at passing lanes. He’s not a 1 on 1 defender like people say he is when people compare him to Scottie and Kawhi. That’s not a bad thing. I argue having a team defender is more valuable these days than 1 on 1 defenders because 1) theres more ball movement today and 2) individual defenders exert more energy and make them less useful on offense. Scottie (and Kawhi) was a physical specimen and could guard your 1-5 and he was a wall on defense. You can not back him down because he was so strong and had long arms. Where Devin hangs his hat is his almost elite anticipation skills for swiping the ball when players make lazy passes or against bad ball handlers.

[KobesAchilles]

Devin is not the type of defender that will make a player shoot low percentages. He’s not there yet. He’s a team defender, and is a maestro at passing lanes. He’s not a 1 on 1 defender like people say he is when people compare him to Scottie and Kawhi. That’s not a bad thing. I argue having a team defender is more valuable these days than 1 on 1 defenders because 1) theres more ball movement today and 2) individual defenders exert more energy and make them less useful on offense. Scottie (and Kawhi) was a physical specimen and could guard your 1-5 and he was a wall on defense. You can not back him down because he was so strong and had long arms. Where Devin hangs his hat is his almost elite anticipation skills for swiping the ball when players make lazy passes or against bad ball handlers.

Team defense is really important but at the end of the day you need great individual defense to win a title. But we aren't winning a tittle anytime soon anyway while this type of play from Vassell can lead us to the playoffs... eventually. It suck bc we don't know enough about our team since they are all so young. But just as a guess if we can get DJ, Primo, Vassell, Mc Buckets and Aytonn as our starters. Wwith draft pick, White, KJ, Poeltl as our bench player then we can really have something going forward. We would be limited of course, but it would be a playoff team if that's our goal for a quick rebuild

[exstatic]

Team defense is really important but at the end of the day you need great individual defense to win a title. But we aren't winning a tittle anytime soon anyway while this type of play from Vassell can lead us to the playoffs... eventually. It suck bc we don't know enough about our team since they are all so young. But just as a guess if we can get DJ, Primo, Vassell, Mc Buckets and Aytonn as our starters. Wwith draft pick, White, KJ, Poeltl as our bench player then we can really have something going forward. We would be limited of course, but it would be a playoff team if that's our goal for a quick rebuild

We could F with Phoenix,but I doubt they’d fail to match on Ayton.

[exstatic]

Ray Allen seems like a pretty decent comparison but I still see a bit more of a Scottie Pippen type in him

Devin also isn’t the playmaker Pip was.

[KobesAchilles]

We could F with Phoenix,but I doubt they’d fail to match on Ayton.
I know but I want to make Sarv pony up the cash. Ruin his team even more. That's one less team to worry about :lol

[The Truth #6]

Devin the Dude is definitely improving. And on D has great artistic flourishes, but on offense seems mechanical and robotic, but becoming effective. In that narrow regard of having pre-planned moves, I can see the vague Kawhi comparisons some have made, but overall I don’t see any obvious comps. Ray Allen seemed more fluid to me. Pippen is a moon shot at this point. But I’m happy with any progress we get.

He is a gym rat, as is DJ. In that I have faith.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Devin’s game isn’t similar to a young Ray Allen at all. Lmao. When Ray was young he was the total package offensively (he actually was taking people off the bounce and everything) and a decent defender. Devin is a good defender and a solid offensive player who isn’t asked to actually carry an offense like Ray had to early in his career.

Devin so far reminds me more of a young Khris Middleton before he got better and running the pick and roll and adding the couple of post moves he has today.

[ginobilized]

Devin’s game isn’t similar to a young Ray Allen at all. Lmao. When Ray was young he was the total package offensively (he actually was taking people off the bounce and everything) and a decent defender. Devin is a good defender and a solid offensive player who isn’t asked to actually carry an offense like Ray had to early in his career.

Devin so far reminds me more of a young Khris Middleton before he got better and running the pick and roll and adding the couple of post moves he has today.

The Middleton comparison is the closest, yet. He has a long way to go, though. His growth this season, along with DJ's, are the 2 best developments so far this young season.

[Dejounte]

Middleton was my first ever comp. however, Vassell is nowhere near as crafty with the ball. I pointed out Ray’s stats when he was 21 but I’m more focused on the older version of Ray. Devin makes shots with ease when there’s a hand in his face similar to Ray. They move off ball similarly and both do their damage outside. Khris can shoot from anywhere on the court. Devin isn’t there yet because he’s predictable: he will drive and pull up. There’s no post up creativity. Ray runs around and is at the right spot at the right time, Devin is almost there.

[Degoat]

I wish they would run that iso play that they always ran with Kawhi/Demar/Rudy with Devin V some, I think they did it in the first game of the season against the magic and he made the shot but I haven’t seen them do it since

[Slippy]

If Lonnie were ballin’, maybe, but if you start him, your bench is void. Nothing.

Thats assuming pop biggest concern is bench production. Then the logical player is Keldon. He wont miss a beat coming off the bench and the starters get more spacing on offense .they also get a lengthier wing that excels in help defence.

Pop is vested in Dwhite and Keldon as starters however. DWHITEs contract and Keldon was his man on the US team
so maximising their play currently would be his priority.

Pop cant ignore the obvious though. Devin is balling, team is mostly losing.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Only took 4 shots tonight. Meanwhile the team SUCKS SALTY ASS at shooting anything outside of 5 ft from the basket and this guy limited to 4 shots is our best shooter.

What is the team even doing? Do they watch film and gameplan?

[MultiTroll]

Only took 4 shots tonight. Meanwhile the team SUCKS SALTY ASS at shooting anything outside of 5 ft from the basket and this guy limited to 4 shots is our best shooter.

What is the team even doing? Do they watch film and gameplan?
Plus Lonnie would much rather get the pass while on the run.
He looks very uncomfortable having to stand and then do the catch n shoot without any dribble.

Open court he still rocks but it aint gonna happen under Grandpa.

[objective]

Is it just me or does dejounte freeze him out in transition? Hell, maybe it's everyone. Has to be every game I see him out in front filling lanes and he doesn't get the ball

[exstatic]

Plus Lonnie would much rather get the pass while on the run.
He looks very uncomfortable having to stand and then do the catch n shoot without any dribble.

Open court he still rocks but it aint gonna happen under Grandpa.

Spurs pace is 101.9, 4th in the NBA.

[rjv]

Only took 4 shots tonight. Meanwhile the team SUCKS SALTY ASS at shooting anything outside of 5 ft from the basket and this guy limited to 4 shots is our best shooter.

What is the team even doing? Do they watch film and gameplan?

yeah, i was going nuts when we were desperately looking for any kind of offense and devin was nowhere to be seen. get him the damn ball now and then. call a play for him.

[Dverde]

Spurs also on pace for a top 5 pick. Go Spurs Go!

[B1gduff]

Another dam solid pick with vaseel, to me he's the 3rd best player on the team behind Dejounte and Jak. The Ray Allen is a good Comp. I would like to switch him and White in the starting line-up.

[Leetonidas]

He definitely needs to be starting in place of either White or Keldon

[exstatic]

Needs more touches. He’s really the only 3 level scorer on the team. His mid-range game is already elite, AND he shots 40% from 3 on the most attempts on the team. He’s 21, and hasn’t quite played one full 82 game season’s worth of games.

FG% by distance

0-3 70.6
3-10 58.3
10-16 48.1
16-3P 46.7
3P 40.0

Fucking Elite.

[rjv]

Needs more touches. He’s really the only 3 level scorer on the team. His mid-range game is already elite, AND he shots 40% from 3 on the most attempts on the team. He’s 21, and hasn’t quite played one full 82 game season’s worth of games.

FG% by distance

0-3 70.6
3-10 58.3
10-16 48.1
16-3P 46.7
3P 40.0

Fucking Elite.

i can't understand why he is not more involved in the offense. they really need to get the ball in his hands more often, especially when the spurs fall into a scoring drought, which usually happens at least twice per game.

[exstatic]

i can't understand why he is not more involved in the offense. they really need to get the ball in his hands more often, especially when the spurs fall into a scoring drought, which usually happens at least twice per game.

Sean is on this EVERY game. Pointed out that they missed an open Devin corner 3 oppo at the end of the half last night.

Oh, and only 32.5 percent of his 3s are from the corner. He shooting 40%, primarily from above the break. Last year, 42.5% of his 3s were from the corner, and he shot a lower percentage.

[Seventyniner]

Sean is on this EVERY game. Pointed out that they missed an open Devin corner 3 oppo at the end of the half last night.

Oh, and only 32.5 percent of his 3s are from the corner. He shooting 40%, primarily from above the break. Last year, 42.5% of his 3s were from the corner, and he shot a lower percentage.

Reminds me of Danny Green in terms of shot location, at least if my memory serves me right.

I haven't gotten to watch many of the games, but he is the most impressive young player to me. I can see the allure of a future Murray/Primo/Vassell/(FA PF?)/Poeltl lineup. McD will probably be gone or be a bench player by the time this comes to fruition, and Poeltl will be a on a new contract (or gone and replaced by another defensive anchor?).

[Kevin]

Vassel is shooting 47% taking 10 shots per game with a usage of 19%. Lonnie by contrast is shooting 37% on 10 shots a game but with a much higher usage of 23.5%.

They both come off the bench and after a nice start Lonnie is starting to regress quite a bit this season. As the season moves a long some of Lonnie's usage needs to go to Vassel.

Also the Spurs should explore Lonnie's trade value at the deadline. He appears less and less likely to get extension. Better to get something than nothing plus the Spurs might get something for a Young/Walker package. Two useful players who's combined salary is fairly reasonable.

[exstatic]

Vassel is shooting 47% taking 10 shots per game with a usage of 19%. Lonnie by contrast is shooting 37% on 10 shots a game but with a much higher usage of 23.5%.

They both come off the bench and after a nice start Lonnie is starting to regress quite a bit this season. As the season moves a long some of Lonnie's usage needs to go to Vassel.

Also the Spurs should explore Lonnie's trade value at the deadline. He appears less and less likely to get extension. Better to get something than nothing plus the Spurs might get something for a Young/Walker package. Two useful players who's combined salary is fairly reasonable.

Extension for Lonnie is out the window. That needed to get done by 1 November, a hard deadline in the CBA. Now, it will be a new contract when his expires this summer, either with us, or another team. He will be restricted, like Kyle Anderson was, and we would need to decide to match or not.

[KingKev]

Extension for Lonnie is out the window. That needed to get done by 1 November, a hard deadline in the CBA. Now, it will be a new contract when his expires this summer, either with us, or another team. He will be restricted, like Kyle Anderson was, and we would need to decide to match or not.

His value is 5-7mm a year and I don’t even want him back at that. He is likely to see better away so bye Walker IV, that was a great game you had vs Houston but you have shown virtually nothing with a very long leash. I’d like to see him moved before the end of the year as a throw in with Thad.

[wildbill2u]

Comparisons aren't worth very much, but for what it's worth, Vassell reminds me of Sean.

[daslicer]

Comparisons aren't worth very much, but for what it's worth, Vassell reminds me of Sean.

He reminds me more of Alan Houston with good defense.

[8sy21vd]

Very impressed with Vassell so far on both ends. S/B starting very soon at the 2 or 3. He's very efficient as well. Let's hope that trend continues as his usage goes up. White heading to the 6th man role or trading him before the deadline seems like the prudent move given the team's timeline and personnel. Either way Vassell starts playing more. Also-the McDermott signing looks awful and he's as pointless as Forbes eating up minutes. He should be traded to a contender mid-season. Guys like Vassell, Jone and Primo s/b getting those minutes.

[slick'81]

Just unleash him already. Fck it ! let murray/vassell &primo suave run wild

[exstatic]

I don’t really even care about him starting. He needs more touches, though, and that might actually be better accomplished coming off the bench. Dejounte needs to pull his head out of his ass, and start hunting him for buckets, and assists for himself.

[The Truth #6]

Curious if he gets more time and at the expense of whom. My thought is Walker, but I also think they should trade him with Thad if they can, and so they don’t want to lower his value any further. Luckily we suck and are going to get a higher pick this year, so I suppose it’s not a terrible problem to navigate.

[exstatic]

Curious if he gets more time and at the expense of whom. My thought is Walker, but I also think they should trade him with Thad if they can, and so they don’t want to lower his value any further. Luckily we suck and are going to get a higher pick this year, so I suppose it’s not a terrible problem to navigate.

Teams know what Lonnie is and isn’t. They don’t ignore advanced stats like ST posters do. He’ll be salary ballast when he goes out.

[MultiTroll]

Obscure but very positive stat:

Longest streaks in NBA history with 1+ steal and 0 turnovers:

1. DEVIN VASSELL - 11 (2021)
2. Brandan Wright - 10 (2015)
3. Ronnie Brewer - 8 (2011)
4. Josh Okogie - 7 (2019)
5. TR Dunn - 6 (1988)

[Dverde]

Obscure but very positive stat:

Longest streaks in NBA history with 1+ steal and 0 turnovers:

1. DEVIN VASSELL - 11 (2021)
2. Brandan Wright - 10 (2015)
3. Ronnie Brewer - 8 (2011)
4. Josh Okogie - 7 (2019)
5. TR Dunn - 6 (1988)

That’s not good company lol;

[Dverde]

10668066 (tel:10668066)[/URL]]Obscure but very positive stat:

Longest streaks in NBA history with 1+ steal and 0 turnovers:

1. DEVIN VASSELL - 11 (2021)
2. Brandan Wright - 10 (2015)
3. Ronnie Brewer - 8 (2011)
4. Josh Okogie - 7 (2019)
5. TR Dunn - 6 (1988)

That’s not good company :lol

[offset formation]

That’s not good company :lol

Well its definitely a stat of guys not getting a bunch of minutes night in and night out.

[exstatic]

Well its definitely a stat of guys not getting a bunch of minutes night in and night out.

Definitely. If you’re playing full rotation minutes, you’re going to have a turnover sometime in a span of double digit games. It is, also, a stat of incredible thieves.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Needs to play more. Needs more shots.

[KingKev]

https://ca.nba.com/news/nba-introduces-new-format-2022-rising-stars-event/1fsrr7xsfrezj10t5qgrg4m5bt

Vassell making the cut?

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

https://i.ibb.co/Hht5tbj/vassell-mins.png

OK so as of right now, Devin has played just as many minutes as he did last year. So we can compare some stats on where he has improved, and not.

i mean....he's scoring more points ...

[buttsR4rebounding]

Looking like a mistake to pass on Haliburton tbh.

[John B]

https://i.ibb.co/Hht5tbj/vassell-mins.png

OK so as of right now, Devin has played just as many minutes as he did last year. So we can compare some stats on where he has improved, and not.

i mean....he's scoring more points ...

Looks good. Earlier in the season he was more aggressive to the hoops. He’s slowed down a bit

[Dejounte]

Devin has been uncharacteristically (and I use that word with caution because this could be the real Devin, and not the one from last year) making bad lapses on defense. He's slow when he drives and pulls up for a jumper. It almost looks like watching Kyle Anderson out there... When he gets a second chance shot, he often hesitates. He's got a long way to go...

[RC_Drunkford]

His 2 point percentage is nice. He's finding his spots to score. That being said he misses way too many wide open 3s and clearly has to up that percentage.

[Mr. Body]

Looking like a mistake to pass on Haliburton tbh.

Yeah, probably. At least he's not a bust and will be a productive player.

[Atl Spur]

He’ll be fine:) just gotta figure out he belongs

[Mnky]

Devin has been uncharacteristically (and I use that word with caution because this could be the real Devin, and not the one from last year) making bad lapses on defense. He's slow when he drives and pulls up for a jumper. It almost looks like watching Kyle Anderson out there... When he gets a second chance shot, he often hesitates. He's got a long way to go...

They've all looked that way after coming back from their forced quarantines. This is their first season running every game too. I'm sure thats playing along with some of their endurance and lapse issues as well. I'm hoping Pop is smart with Murray's minutes the rest of the season. They're not used to playing this much and this fast, defense and offense.

With all the interruptions and short seasons and everything going on, I'm surprised we have been relatively healthy this year.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Really like him but lately he's been slacking on defense, which should be his strong point and the base for him getting minutes. Also he has the prettiest looking shot that so often juuuuust about doesn't go in.

[KingKev]

https://ca.nba.com/news/nba-introduces-new-format-2022-rising-stars-event/1fsrr7xsfrezj10t5qgrg4m5bt

Vassell making the cut?

Nope. This isn’t the media vs the Spurs. This is reality ladies and gents.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Him not making the sophomores was bull. Especially since he is labeled as a forward. I can understand not making it as a guard but he has better numbers and impact than a couple forwards that was chosen.

[KingKev]

Him not making it was bull. Especially since he is labeled as a forward. I can understand not making it as a guard but he has better numbers and impact than a couple forwards that was chosen.

Pop plays him almost exclusively at the 3 and the 4. Regardless of position he was always a long shot.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Pop plays him almost exclusively at the 3 and the 4. Regardless of position he was always a long shot.

i know he plays a lot of 3 which is a front court position. Dude has better numbers and bigger impact than 3 front court players picked instead of him easily

[Degoat]

Damn I’m legit shocked he didn’t make the rising stars team

[emanueldavidginobili]

1488670349168607233

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

1488670349168607233

dude had better numbers than Precious, Okro, McDaniels, and very similar numbers to Tate. It’s no reason he shouldn’t be on that team, unless they slotted him as a guard.

[John B]

1488670349168607233

Damn I don’t expect this from Devin. I like it. He’s going beast mode tonight :lol

And really this is the kind of stuff I’m really looking for from Devin. Because I was getting the impression that he’s starting to defer, getting content. Time to spend more time in the gym, get bigger, shadow Murray in his rituals. Let’s go Devin!

[spurs1990]

How about a parallel back to 2012 when the Spurs unloaded Richard Jefferson at the deadline opening up a SL spot for the Leonard guy.
Vassell's game could vault into what we see with Murray in a couple years.

Richardson would be SJax and Langford as Patty Mills staying with that end of 2012 theme. Collins would be a Diaw addition.

[KingKev]

How about a parallel back to 2012 when the Spurs unloaded Richard Jefferson at the deadline opening up a SL spot for the Leonard guy.
Vassell's game could vault into what we see with Murray in a couple years.

Richardson would be SJax and Langford as Patty Mills staying with that end of 2012 theme. Collins would be a Diaw addition.

OMFG. Can we stop with these ridiculous comparisons.

[John B]

Rovin Vassell. But I swear he’s going to average over 20+ pts especially once scoring is focused on him as a go-to guy. And he’s very capable with different ways of scoring the basket. And he’s just gonna get bigger and more confident. Another capable PF in this draft or trade to help in the paint, Spurs can realistically have that 1, 2, 3 punch by next season.

[RC_Drunkford]

Devin had some nice crossovers against NOLA where he got off his defender and went into his pull up jumper. Improving his handles will really open up his offensive game

[emanueldavidginobili]

Granted it was against the corpse of Gallo but moves like this excite me for his future.
1492324161452183556

[Ocotillo]

Behind all the talk about how much Dejounte has improved, since White was shipped out, Devin has been a stud. He may finally becoming what we thought he might be in the starting two guard role. Primo has some competition.

[slick'81]

Behind all the talk about how much Dejounte has improved, since White was shipped out, Devin has been a stud. He may finally becoming what we thought he might be in the starting two guard role. Primo has some competition.


can we move vassell to 3? No way im taking devin out of the starting 5

[Ocotillo]

I don't see why Primo and Vassell can't both play wing (2/3). This assumes Primo grows into the player we are hoping. Devin had been in a funk but has came out of it since White left. The thing is, if we get a good sized 4 for the starting line up and move Keldon to the three, who is the odd man out? Devin, Keldon or Josh?

[spurraider21]

How about a parallel back to 2012 when the Spurs unloaded Richard Jefferson at the deadline opening up a SL spot for the Leonard guy.
Vassell's game could vault into what we see with Murray in a couple years.

Richardson would be SJax and Langford as Patty Mills staying with that end of 2012 theme. Collins would be a Diaw addition.
kawhi was playing well enough that he basically forced his way into the starting lineup of a contending team. the spurs dumping white is very different than how we tried to unload RJ.

vassell hasnt played his way into the lineup the way kawhi did

[slick'81]

I don't see why Primo and Vassell can't both play wing (2/3). This assumes Primo grows into the player we are hoping. Devin had been in a funk but has came out of it since White left. The thing is, if we get a good sized 4 for the starting line up and move Keldon to the three, who is the odd man out? Devin, Keldon or Josh?

probably josh next season

[Sugus]

I don't see why Primo and Vassell can't both play wing (2/3). This assumes Primo grows into the player we are hoping. Devin had been in a funk but has came out of it since White left. The thing is, if we get a good sized 4 for the starting line up and move Keldon to the three, who is the odd man out? Devin, Keldon or Josh?

Definitely Keldon in that scenario. Both Primo and Devin have average or above-average measurements for their positions (2 & 3 respectively), plus good-to-great defense, and the most important: the correct attributes to their game that fit their position. Keldon lacks all of these.

Matter of fact, I've been pretty disappointed with Keldon's play at PF so far. He really, really doesn't look the part. He's built like a 3 but is too slow to play the position, doesn't have the rebounding instincts, nor the passing game, nor the shooting game (I'm still on the fence re: his 3pt shooting splits, and tend to think he'll fall back to Earth sooner than later). People really underestimate what an actual PF could do for this team.

[CGD]

Bad game tonight though

[The Truth #6]

Definitely Keldon in that scenario. Both Primo and Devin have average or above-average measurements for their positions (2 & 3 respectively), plus good-to-great defense, and the most important: the correct attributes to their game that fit their position. Keldon lacks all of these.

Matter of fact, I've been pretty disappointed with Keldon's play at PF so far. He really, really doesn't look the part. He's built like a 3 but is too slow to play the position, doesn't have the rebounding instincts, nor the passing game, nor the shooting game (I'm still on the fence re: his 3pt shooting splits, and tend to think he'll fall back to Earth sooner than later). People really underestimate what an actual PF could do for this team.

Solid points. My tangent: Keldon is sort of an enigma to me. Just this season at the beginning I thought that if he could at least be decent from 3, then his whole game would click. Inexplicably, he's become a lights out spot up shooter but it doesn't seem to have improved his game much from what I've seen but don't watch all the games. But as for who is the odd man out, I agree that it would probably be Keldon. My caveats are that Primo's defense might be overrated or actually bad, and that I'd like to see if Keldon improves over this Summer. He is adding skills but hasn't found a way for it to click yet. It may never. But I don't think he's getting worse, so I'm open to see.

[Sugus]

Solid points. My tangent: Keldon is sort of an enigma to me. Just this season at the beginning I thought that if he could at least be decent from 3, then his whole game would click. Inexplicably, he's become a lights out spot up shooter but it doesn't seem to have improved his game much from what I've seen but don't watch all the games. But as for who is the odd man out, I agree that it would probably be Keldon. My caveats are that Primo's defense might be overrated or actually bad, and that I'd like to see if Keldon improves over this Summer. He is adding skills but hasn't found a way for it to click yet. It may never. But I don't think he's getting worse, so I'm open to see.

I've really cooled down my expectations of Keldon, tbh, I'm at peace with the player he is. His 3pt % is misleading - I don't have stats handy, but it looks to me like he hardly, if ever, creates his own shots from deep. While it's obviously better to be a good C&S player than not be, it's also not nearly enough to make defenders close out hard on him and open up his game, especially when every single scouting report on him must highlight his desire to get to the basket. A soft closeout is all a defender needs for Keldon to pump fake, dribble into the defense, and just throw up prayer after prayer.

He was flashing some midrange jumpers early in the season that would help with this, I have no idea where that went. And of course, he's still young, there's time to improve.... But it's looking less likely to me as time goes on. Especially as long as he's in positional No Man's Land - too slow to play the 3, and way too short and unskilled to play the 4 reliably. Today's game against the Bulls was a massacre on the boards, and a big portion of the blame goes to Keldon himself - not only did he pull a measly 3 boards, he also failed to box out Bulls' players through the game, which allowed them numerous second chance points. This, combined with his bad defense..... Not the kind of things you want to see in your starting PF. At all.

I don't really think Primo's defense gets overrated much (does it even get "rated" beyond this board? :lol). He's sneakily solid there and times his block attempts well, and he's got a deceptive length to him, but it's pretty pedestrian otherwise, to be expected of a rookie. My hopes regarding him are both that he can 1. Keep on growing in height, since it makes him a much bigger mismatch and potentially allows him to play the 3, and 2. Learn to better use his high IQ and processing speed to make plays on defense. The combination of a strong core, good positioning, good hands, and timing, makes all the difference between a good defender and a bad one, and I think Primo can perfectly get there, if not better. Time will tell.

[rankingtear]

I've really cooled down my expectations of Keldon, tbh, I'm at peace with the player he is. His 3pt % is misleading - I don't have stats handy, but it looks to me like he hardly, if ever, creates his own shots from deep. While it's obviously better to be a good C&S player than not be, it's also not nearly enough to make defenders close out hard on him and open up his game, especially when every single scouting report on him must highlight his desire to get to the basket. A soft closeout is all a defender needs for Keldon to pump fake, dribble into the defense, and just throw up prayer after prayer.

He was flashing some midrange jumpers early in the season that would help with this, I have no idea where that went. And of course, he's still young, there's time to improve.... But it's looking less likely to me as time goes on. Especially as long as he's in positional No Man's Land - too slow to play the 3, and way too short and unskilled to play the 4 reliably. Today's game against the Bulls was a massacre on the boards, and a big portion of the blame goes to Keldon himself - not only did he pull a measly 3 boards, he also failed to box out Bulls' players through the game, which allowed them numerous second chance points. This, combined with his bad defense..... Not the kind of things you want to see in your starting PF. At all.

I don't really think Primo's defense gets overrated much (does it even get "rated" beyond this board? :lol). He's sneakily solid there and times his block attempts well, and he's got a deceptive length to him, but it's pretty pedestrian otherwise, to be expected of a rookie. My hopes regarding him are both that he can 1. Keep on growing in height, since it makes him a much bigger mismatch and potentially allows him to play the 3, and 2. Learn to better use his high IQ and processing speed to make plays on defense. The combination of a strong core, good positioning, good hands, and timing, makes all the difference between a good defender and a bad one, and I think Primo can perfectly get there, if not better. Time will tell.

Keldon is just figuring out how to balance his newfound shooting with his driving game, his FG at the rim actually got significantly better each month. He does not have the tools to be a plus defender but he would be a borderline all star if his efficiency at the rim and 3 holds up. He is on pace to be a 50 40 guy at the PF spot.

Rookie guards defense is mostly bad, i would wait for next year he would be one of the best shotblocking guards in the league at least.

[spurraider21]

so... is this guy actually going to be a plus 3 point shooter or just a wing who hoists them up with middling efficiency like bobby covington?

[exstatic]

Keldon is just figuring out how to balance his newfound shooting with his driving game, his FG at the rim actually got significantly better each month. He does not have the tools to be a plus defender but he would be a borderline all star if his efficiency at the rim and 3 holds up. He is on pace to be a 50 40 guy at the PF spot.

Rookie guards defense is mostly bad, i would wait for next year he would be one of the best shotblocking guards in the league at least.

Draymond says Keldon will be an All Star in a couple of years. He’s played with a few, so I wouldn’t just write that off

[exstatic]

so... is this guy actually going to be a plus 3 point shooter or just a wing who hoists them up with middling efficiency like bobby covington?

He’s been pretty consistently at league average both years. The good news is that his attempts have jumped from 2.4 to 5.1 without a dip in percentage. Devin is a gym rat, so I’d look for an increase next year. I don’t eee him reaching Keldon levels but certainly 38-39% is in reach, and on 5-6 attempts, that would be enough to open up driving lanes.

[Sugus]

Keldon is just figuring out how to balance his newfound shooting with his driving game, his FG at the rim actually got significantly better each month. He does not have the tools to be a plus defender but he would be a borderline all star if his efficiency at the rim and 3 holds up. He is on pace to be a 50 40 guy at the PF spot.

Rookie guards defense is mostly bad, i would wait for next year he would be one of the best shotblocking guards in the league at least.

Yeah, there's hope for him, I'm just saying I don't like the role/way he's playing now. He can be a great player, just not a starting PF on a great team, IMO. But who knows, with the way the league is trending... He might be above-average height for a PF by the time he hits his prime :lol

I don't think he'd be an AS by just maintaining efficiency of shots. It took DJ much more than that to get in, and even he did it as a reserve off the bench. We'd have to start seeing Keldon make up plays, close out games in some fashion, be "that guy" for the Spurs for stretches. When you've got a bad, talent-riddled team, you gotta stand out head and shoulders to get such consideration. Having said that -- I don't care for him being an AS or not at all. I want him to be great, and the accolades can accompany that or not.

I found it curious you say "i would wait for next year he would be one of the best shotblocking guards in the league at least". How so? He's never been a premier shot-blocker and his physical tools already hamper him there, as you said. I haven't checked the stats, but the eye-test doesn't show me anything special re: blocks. How would Keldon develop into that? Most elite shot-blockers have unreal timing, or length, or discipline, and most often all three, and Keldon lacks them all for now...

[Dejounte]

Yeah, there's hope for him, I'm just saying I don't like the role/way he's playing now. He can be a great player, just not a starting PF on a great team, IMO. But who knows, with the way the league is trending... He might be above-average height for a PF by the time he hits his prime :lol

I don't think he'd be an AS by just maintaining efficiency of shots. It took DJ much more than that to get in, and even he did it as a reserve off the bench. We'd have to start seeing Keldon make up plays, close out games in some fashion, be "that guy" for the Spurs for stretches. When you've got a bad, talent-riddled team, you gotta stand out head and shoulders to get such consideration. Having said that -- I don't care for him being an AS or not at all. I want him to be great, and the accolades can accompany that or not.

I found it curious you say "i would wait for next year he would be one of the best shotblocking guards in the league at least". How so? He's never been a premier shot-blocker and his physical tools already hamper him there, as you said. I haven't checked the stats, but the eye-test doesn't show me anything special re: blocks. How would Keldon develop into that? Most elite shot-blockers have unreal timing, or length, or discipline, and most often all three, and Keldon lacks them all for now...

re your last paragraph : he’s talking about Primo

[John B]

Kuzma erupting to 36 pts says a lot. Keldon will always be overmatched in the PF position. I know the PATFO will address this over the summer. I like Keldon’s 3pt, reminds me so much of Bruce’s when you know it’s money. Keldon would have to be a 3 and D SF, improve his laterals to keep in front of his guy, anticipating where they’re going, not necessarily reaching but just being there before them, and maybe drawing the charge. I know we call him big body, but he needs to get leaner like a gazelle. I think he tried to build up for the PF position, but his game is not his back behind the basket. It’s more of a C&S with occasional drives. And I’ve seen him facilitate every now and then. Keldon has a good bball iq, and he knows when to take over and not shy about it. I’m not worried.

[Dejounte]

Kuzma erupting to 36 pts says a lot. Keldon will always be overmatched in the PF position. I know the PATFO will address this over the summer. I like Keldon’s 3pt, reminds me so much of Bruce’s when you know it’s money. Keldon would have to be a 3 and D SF, improve his laterals to keep in front of his guy, anticipating where they’re going, not necessarily reaching but just being there before them, and maybe drawing the charge. I know we call him big body, but he needs to get leaner like a gazelle. I think he tried to build up for the PF position, but his game is not his back behind the basket. It’s more of a C&S with occasional drives. And I’ve seen him facilitate every now and then. Keldon has a good bball iq, and he knows when to take over and not shy about it. I’m not worried.

Vassell was guarding Kuzma for most of the game. Watch the fucking games and not rely on box scores all the time.

[John B]

Vassell was guarding Kuzma for most of the game. Watch the fucking games and not rely on box scores all the time.

I’m pretty sure Keldon wears #3 dumbass.


https://youtu.be/Cdm9Wv4na5Y

[Dejounte]

I’m pretty sure Keldon wears #3 dumbass.


https://youtu.be/Cdm9Wv4na5Y

Well, I’m not scared to admit I’m wrong. But you’re a still a knee jerking dumbass who shows his low intelligence everyday

[John B]

Well, I’m not scared to admit I’m wrong. But you’re a still a knee jerking dumbass who shows his low intelligence everyday

I know you are, but what am I? :bobo

[Atl Spur]

Kuzma erupting to 36 pts says a lot. Keldon will always be overmatched in the PF position. I know the PATFO will address this over the summer. I like Keldon’s 3pt, reminds me so much of Bruce’s when you know it’s money. Keldon would have to be a 3 and D SF, improve his laterals to keep in front of his guy, anticipating where they’re going, not necessarily reaching but just being there before them, and maybe drawing the charge. I know we call him big body, but he needs to get leaner like a gazelle. I think he tried to build up for the PF position, but his game is not his back behind the basket. It’s more of a C&S with occasional drives. And I’ve seen him facilitate every now and then. Keldon has a good bball iq, and he knows when to take over and not shy about it. I’m not worried.

I agree; sf is his position

[exstatic]

Kuzma erupting to 36 pts says a lot. Keldon will always be overmatched in the PF position. I know the PATFO will address this over the summer. I like Keldon’s 3pt, reminds me so much of Bruce’s when you know it’s money. Keldon would have to be a 3 and D SF, improve his laterals to keep in front of his guy, anticipating where they’re going, not necessarily reaching but just being there before them, and maybe drawing the charge. I know we call him big body, but he needs to get leaner like a gazelle. I think he tried to build up for the PF position, but his game is not his back behind the basket. It’s more of a C&S with occasional drives. And I’ve seen him facilitate every now and then. Keldon has a good bball iq, and he knows when to take over and not shy about it. I’m not worried.

Raul Neto just dropped 22/9 on DJ and basically carved us up. Does that mean he’s not really an All Star type player?

[rankingtear]

Raul Neto just dropped 22/9 on DJ and basically carved us up. Does that mean he’s not really an All Star type player?

DJ could've been Danny Green , much more useful player instead of this triple double all star. You think Raul Neto would drop 22 points on 3 and D version of DJ. KJ should loose 20 pounds and play the SF he would lose his ability to absorb contact but at least we stop playing midget ball. Imagine a 180 lbs Danny Green and a 200 pound flat footed Kawhi Leonard, the dream.

[John B]

Raul Neto just dropped 22/9 on DJ and basically carved us up. Does that mean he’s not really an All Star type player?

I don’t think that’s a good take. DJ had a great game with a monstrous triple-double. I think there DJ had to pick his battle which is the best balance to win the game. I’m sure he’ll improve where Pop would show when he needs to focus more on D. But as Pop said himself, the guy was exhausted coming from the AS weekend and couldn’t more than he already did. Dang, what else do you want?

Likewise with Keldon, except Keldon doesn’t have as much responsibility facilitating and overall tempo of the game like DJ has. Last night wasn’t even guarding down a post but from the arch and still got overpowered driving. Pop had to pick Keldon’s scoring over KBD’s better cover but not scoring as well. I don’t know what would be the outcome with KBD slowing Kuzma because he was also passing great with 7 assists.

[MannyIsGod]

I think people are reading too much into the Kuzma game. Kuz hit a lot of tough contested jumpers. Homie doesn't do that on the regular and if he could he'd be a much better player.

[daslicer]

I’m pretty sure Keldon wears #3 dumbass.


https://youtu.be/Cdm9Wv4na5Y

I didn't watch the game but if what you are saying is true then it shows again why small ball with Keldon is not going to work long term.

[rankingtear]

I didn't watch the game but if what you are saying is true then it shows again why small ball with Keldon is not going to work long term.

Well Kuzma lit up Mobley for 34 the next game on better efficiency does it show tall ball is not going to work?

[daslicer]

Well Kuzma lit up Mobley for 34 the next game on better efficiency does it show tall ball is not going to work?

I'm sure Duncan got lit up every now and then in his prime, but the solution was never to have an undersized player replace him in the rotation. The odds are Kuzma is not going to light up Mobley again but there is a high chance he will be able to light up Keldon again. Keldon will consistently have these problems guarding taller guys who can shoot.

[rankingtear]

I'm sure Duncan got lit up every now and then in his prime, but the solution was never to have an undersized player replace him in the rotation. The odds are Kuzma is not going to light up Mobley again but there is a high chance he will be able to light up Keldon again. Keldon will consistently have these problems guarding taller guys who can shoot.

Odds are correct because they won't play again this season, but 3 out of 4 games Kuzma did went off on Mobley.

[Atl Spur]

Keldon at the 4 is not a viable option long term but in certain matchups it’s more palatable. His instincts defensively are not where they need to be.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I think people are reading too much into the Kuzma game. Kuz hit a lot of tough contested jumpers. Homie doesn't do that on the regular and if he could he'd be a much better player.

Agreed. We make some opponent play above his skillset to look like an all-star every game. It was Kuzma's turn.

But, I do think Keldon isn't as fit looking as he was last season. I wish we didn't have to play him on someone bigger than him every game.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Devin is blossoming with Derrick being gone. I wasn't a big fan of moving White but it appears to have been the right play.

[John B]

Likewise consistency for the rest of the season for Devin and Lonnie. For Devin, getting stronger in the off-season and mental toughness. Devin needs to have the alpha attitude that he would be asked to carry a big part of scoring, being the better scorer of the group. Again, I see Devin as the 20+ ppg besides Murray.

[slick'81]

Devin is blossoming with Derrick being gone. I wasn't a big fan of moving White but it appears to have been the right play.

it obviously was if youwant to get anything outta devin/primo next season. White is still struggling to shoot with the c's

[exstatic]

Likewise consistency for the rest of the season for Devin and Lonnie. For Devin, getting stronger in the off-season and mental toughness. Devin needs to have the alpha attitude that he would be asked to carry a big part of scoring, being the better scorer of the group. Again, I see Devin as the 20+ ppg besides Murray.

Devin’s never shown any indication of not being mentally tough. Other than Keldon, I don’t recall any of our youngsters being tougher and more aggressive in year two.

[wildbill2u]

Keldon at the 4 is not a viable option long term but in certain matchups it’s more palatable. His instincts defensively are not where they need to be.

Ya think!

[Atl Spur]

Ya think!

Hate to be captain obvious…..but you know

[wildbill2u]

Vassell's not the guy we have been thinking he is. Sean keeps talking about what a sweet stroke he has on his shots, but stats don't lie. His two years of 3 pts shots have only connected at 34%. That's barely average. certainly not a good enough shooter to move into the SG position and not good enough to be a 3 and D SF if we have anyone better to slot in at that position.

Statistically he has a slight edge on Lonnie Walker in most categories including a perception that Vassell plays better defense.

Statistically, Vassell and Josh Richardson are also very close in most categories with Richardson having a small edge in shooting percentages. BFD.

The truth of the matter is that none of these guys is going to take us very far in the direction of a championship. We need to replace them with better players for the future SF or SG slot instead of blinding ourselves with hope that they will develop into the players we'd like them to be.

[TDomination]

surprised i didn't see this posted on this thread. i forgot about it until ja morant did his nasty dunk last night.

Vassell with a pretty sweet dunk against the Heat a couple nights ago:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjdrOJrFy1A

[John B]

surprised i didn't see this posted on this thread. i forgot about it until ja morant did his nasty dunk last night.

Vassell with a pretty sweet dunk against the Heat a couple nights ago:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjdrOJrFy1A

And I should say and1 on Duncan Robinson with his hand swatting down, could’ve been a dangerous spill

[buttsR4rebounding]

Vassell's not the guy we have been thinking he is. Sean keeps talking about what a sweet stroke he has on his shots, but stats don't lie. His two years of 3 pts shots have only connected at 34%. That's barely average. certainly not a good enough shooter to move into the SG position and not good enough to be a 3 and D SF if we have anyone better to slot in at that position.

Statistically he has a slight edge on Lonnie Walker in most categories including a perception that Vassell plays better defense.

Statistically, Vassell and Josh Richardson are also very close in most categories with Richardson having a small edge in shooting percentages. BFD.

The truth of the matter is that none of these guys is going to take us very far in the direction of a championship. We need to replace them with better players for the future SF or SG slot instead of blinding ourselves with hope that they will develop into the players we'd like them to be.

Does anyone still think passing on Haliburton wasn’t a mistake? I hope time proves me wrong.

[wildbill2u]

Does anyone still think passing on Haliburton wasn’t a mistake? I hope time proves me wrong.

We gotta stop worrying about the past. Every draft pick is a gamble because even lottery picks fail to achieve their supposed potential sometimes. Our FO has done remarkably well considering where we had to draft for the last two decades because of the team's successful years of getting into the playoffs. But now, we probably will have an opportunity for a good draft pick, even if we have to trade up to get there.

What I want to see is another draft pick in the top rung of the lottery to give us a better chance at getting some talent ready to go right now. We have openings IMHO at PF, SG, and SF if the right guy is available. We haven't been in such a favorable position going into the draft for a long long time.

[poopbox]

Does anyone still think passing on Haliburton wasn’t a mistake? I hope time proves me wrong.

I don't understand all this love for Haliburton. For how good he is supposed to be the kings were terrible with him and the pacers haven't been any better. Another one of those "doesn't seem to impact winning" players

[TD 21]

Vassell's not the guy we have been thinking he is. Sean keeps talking about what a sweet stroke he has on his shots, but stats don't lie. His two years of 3 pts shots have only connected at 34%. That's barely average. certainly not a good enough shooter to move into the SG position and not good enough to be a 3 and D SF if we have anyone better to slot in at that position.

Statistically he has a slight edge on Lonnie Walker in most categories including a perception that Vassell plays better defense.

Statistically, Vassell and Josh Richardson are also very close in most categories with Richardson having a small edge in shooting percentages. BFD.

The truth of the matter is that none of these guys is going to take us very far in the direction of a championship. We need to replace them with better players for the future SF or SG slot instead of blinding ourselves with hope that they will develop into the players we'd like them to be.

Yeah, I've been thinking the same thing. He's actually gotten some national hype (blurbs) this season and a fair bit locally too, but he's been a slight disappointment.

I realize he's only 20-21 and I'm still confident he'll be a solid piece going forward, but as you alluded to, he's neither quite the legit 3 or D (off ball disruptor/play maker) type he was portrayed as and the better comp than Mikal Bridges is, as you said, Richardson.

There's nothing wrong with that in a vacuum, but at 11, with a team in desperate need of talent, to pass on Haliburton and Maxey (and this is not revisionist history) only could be spun as sensible under the guise that they were more committed to White than we found out they were.



I don't understand all this love for Haliburton. For how good he is supposed to be the kings were terrible with him and the pacers haven't been any better. Another one of those "doesn't seem to impact winning" players

:lmao He was 20-21 and played 109 games for a team that's been variations of bad for going on 16 years.

People need to stop spouting results without context period. Way too many innocent bystanders receive credit/criticism based off of it.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Im still fairly confident that Vassell is going to be a main cog in the future. He has the potential and he shows flashes and I love that he's shooting 5 threes a game. His 3 point shooting percentage should improve for sure he has all the right mechanics. I think he has Khris Middleton potential, he was in the G league at Devins current age. He has really good upside imo.

[BackHome]

I so wished Vassell had the opportunity to have played in G League his first year I think that would have vastly increased his skill sets. But I still have hope for him after White was traded I have started to see more glimpses of his potential and I am hoping Pop starts calling for him to take more of the offensive load on his shoulders.

[ismael-robert]

Bend over n baseline bum will leave an offensive load on your shoulders

[TD 21]

Redrafting the 2020 NBA Draft Class | The Hoop Collective - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=iVgOkziUJ-8)

From 11:12-11:42

Windhorst: They (Spurs) love him (Vassell) man, they--they love him and when the Spurs love somebody they're usually right.

[jermaine]

Vassell is taking major steps back if you ask me.

[CGD]

Vassell is taking major steps back if you ask me.

We have to see it next year when the ghost of Derrick is firmly off the roster, and he knows he’s the man at SG

[KingKev]

We have to see it next year when the ghost of Derrick is firmly off the roster, and he knows he’s the man at SG

Lol when you get traded you are firmly off the roster. I know PATFO is still high on him but I also feel that very few players on this roster are safe.

[exstatic]

Vassell is taking major steps back if you ask me.

You’re on crack. He has SO much more in his offensive arsenal this year.

[CGD]

Lol when you get traded you are firmly off the roster. I know PATFO is still high on him but I also feel that very few players on this roster are safe.

My point is that he probably doesn’t fully appreciate that he’s in the big boy chair yet, and that won’t come until next year. I think Devin will be a really good player for us, and liken him as a Bridges type.

[slick'81]

3 steals for the vassell machine tonight

[RC_Drunkford]

pretty disappointed at his 3-point shooting tbh. He misses way too many open 3s. Also players drafted after him, like Maxey, Bane and Bey are way better than he is right now

[C-Dub]

Maxey, Bane and Bey didn't get neutered by coach Pop.

[spurraider21]

vassell has a DRPM of -1.76, good for 48th in the league among SGs, below the likes of Bradley Beal, Landry Shamet, and Eric Gordon

meanwhile his ORPM is 0.28, good for 45th among SGs, behind Bryn Forbes, Austin Reaves

he's been disappointing

[spurraider21]

pretty disappointed at his 3-point shooting tbh. He misses way too many open 3s. Also players drafted after him, like Maxey, Bane and Bey are way better than he is right now
halliburton seemed like the easy pick, and not just in hindsight

[exstatic]

vassell has a DRPM of -1.76, good for 48th in the league among SGs, below the likes of Bradley Beal, Landry Shamet, and Eric Gordon

meanwhile his ORPM is 0.28, good for 45th among SGs, behind Bryn Forbes, Austin Reaves

he's been disappointing

Now, do his draft class. You know, the players he SHOULD be compared to. He’s started 31 whole games, you fuckwit.

[spurraider21]

Now, do his draft class. You know, the players he SHOULD be compared to. He’s started 31 whole games, you fuckwit.
tyrese haliburton

ORPM 0.15
DRPM 2.20

[exstatic]

tyrese haliburton

ORPM 0.15
DRPM 2.20

You know what else Haliburton has done that Vassell hasn’t? Have his team decide to trade him. Traded for an undersized, offense only center. They CHOSE to keep an inefficient chucker D’Aaron Fox over him.

[spurraider21]

You know what else Haliburton has done that Vassell hasn’t? Have his team decide to trade him. Traded for an undersized, offense only center. They CHOSE to keep an inefficient chucker D’Aaron Fox over him.
haliburton sucks because the kings are inept

got it :tu

damn i figured out how the spurs can never draft a bust ever again. just never trade or waive players, and keep re-signing them.

[RC_Drunkford]

You know what else Haliburton has done that Vassell hasn’t? Have his team decide to trade him. Traded for an undersized, offense only center. They CHOSE to keep an inefficient chucker D’Aaron Fox over him.

has little to do with him and more with that dumbass Kings FO

[Dejounte]

Vassell so far has done nothing to write home about but not enough bad to call a bust yet. For me, this season has been more of a disappointment for him than it is one of improvement.

[exstatic]

Vassell so far has done nothing to write home about but not enough bad to call a bust yet. For me, this season has been more of a disappointment for him than it is one of improvement.

He literally couldn’t put the ball on the floor, move a short distance, and rise up and make a jumper last year. He has massively improved off the bounce, and also his ON the ball defense it much better.

[The Truth #6]

He's not taking a step back per se but the second year is when you want to see bigger improvements.

[Dex]

Vassell so far has done nothing to write home about but not enough bad to call a bust yet. For me, this season has been more of a disappointment for him than it is one of improvement.

I would have loved to see a second year leap now that he is in a larger role...that would have signaled star potential.

That said, next year will probably be the most telling.

[Dejounte]

He literally couldn’t put the ball on the floor, move a short distance, and rise up and make a jumper last year. He has massively improved off the bounce, and also his ON the ball defense it much better.

These are not major milestones. It’s what you’d hope a prospect would show at the very minimum by year 2.

[GAustex]

Hoped for more but there is enough there to be intrigued
Be nice if he stepped it up. DJM needs help.

[emanueldavidginobili]

He literally couldn’t put the ball on the floor, move a short distance, and rise up and make a jumper last year. He has massively improved off the bounce, and also his ON the ball defense it much better.
I actually agree, he has made improvements to his game with really good looking fluid offensive moves that he did none of last year, but he hasn't connected on them yet. He has massive potential but like others I am kind of disappointed in the overall production. However, he has shown he can create his shot for himself and he was unable to do that last year.

[mystargtr34]

For some players it takes 2 years to make that leap, so by the third season. I think if Vassell doesn’t take a leap by next season when he has the starting role to himself, he likely won’t make a real leap and will likely just incrementally get better from his current base, which is average.

I’m not too concerned with him at this stage, he’s averaging 12 a game on 50% from 2 and 35% from 3. His defense is above average. Has good size for the 2 spot. There’s a bit to work with there. Lots of room for improvement too.

[XDT76]

He literally couldn’t put the ball on the floor, move a short distance, and rise up and make a jumper last year. He has massively improved off the bounce, and also his ON the ball defense it much better.

On ball defense and players on the Spurs do not belong in the same sentence

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

On ball defense and players on the Spurs do not belong in the same sentence


exactly.

I best on ball defender was Derrick White and he is in Boston now. Lmao. The biggest thing I’m a bit disappointed in with Devin is his on ball defense. I knew coming out of Florida State that he was a better off ball defender but I thought he would get better with his on ball defense by his second season. Sadly he hasn’t gotten that much better with that aspect of the game.

offensively I think he has improved some and him getting more minutes and even starting now that Derrick is gone should help him going forward even into next season. He isn’t a bad player and if he was on a worse team like Saddiq Bey is, I believe he would score just as much on a better field goal %. Lol

[wildbill2u]

He literally couldn’t put the ball on the floor, move a short distance, and rise up and make a jumper last year. He has massively improved off the bounce, and also his ON the ball defense it much better.

You seem to be pretty invested in him, and I usually like your observations, so I hope you are right about his future. The only thing is, from my point of view, I'd hope we'd promoted a guy into the NBA with that pick who could do that stuff at an NBA level already.

At this point in his career, he's just another prospect with a higher offensive ceiling than he is showing by his development at near the end of his second year??? We have a lot of those guys, no? Capable of flashes of talent when they have a good night, but maybe not consistent enough to be a starting piece of the puzzle. I hope I'm wrong, but the warning signs were the abnormal actions for the Spurs organization at trading time.

The Spurs attempts at trading for draft picks this year has been unusually active for the organization, and I think it is because they realize that some of these prospects who we've been looking at through rosy glasses are not going to be adequate as starters to make us competitive in the near future--if ever.

[MannyIsGod]

These are not major milestones. It’s what you’d hope a prospect would show at the very minimum by year 2.

major improvement is not a major milestone? What? Can you name some players who's developmental curve you expect Vassel to be on and where he's fallen behind? Cause I can name several that I'd be happy with him becoming to which he's very comparable. Danny Green, Khris Middleton, CJ Mcollumn just off the top of the dome.

[MannyIsGod]

Devin will likely never be a go to player in this league. But even right now, he's a very good player and is no where near a draft bust with a lot of room to improve. I just don't know what people expect out of him if you're upset.

If you are upset with what Vassel has done so far, then man I think you're probably going to be really upset when Primo does something similar.

[KingKev]

Devin will likely never be a go to player in this league. But even right now, he's a very good player and is no where near a draft bust with a lot of room to improve. I just don't know what people expect out of him if you're upset.

If you are upset with what Vassel has done so far, then man I think you're probably going to be really upset when Primo does something similar.

Going to be alot of upset fans here. They probably both turn out to be solid role players probably both look similar to current Keldon by year 3/4.

[exstatic]

Dejounte, go back and look at your namesake’s first two seasons. Yeah, we haven’t forgot that you wrote him off too soon, too.

[exstatic]

Going to be alot of upset fans here. They probably both turn out to be solid role players probably both look similar to current Keldon by year 3/4.

Current Keldon is an elite shooter, and has majorly proved his ball handling and passing in season three.

[KingKev]

Current Keldon is an elite shooter, and has majorly proved his ball handling and passing in season three.

Agreed and that’s a great bar for Vassell and Primo in my opinion.

[exstatic]

Agreed and that’s a great bar for Vassell and Primo in my opinion.

They’ll pass it. Of all of the remaining FRPs, Keldon has the lowest ceiling. He’s also the closest to his ceiling.

[Dejounte]

Dejounte, go back and look at your namesake’s first two seasons. Yeah, we haven’t forgot that you wrote him off too soon, too.

Jesus. Learn to read. Am I writing off Vassell? No. You just seem too damn butt hurt about Vassell because you like the dude. All I said was his year two is disappointing. Don’t blame me because you’re oversensitive.

[Dejounte]

Also, no one’s forgotten how many times your dumbass has been wrong either. Wiseman? Wrong. White being the next PG? Wrong. Simmons rumors? Wrong. For someone full of bad takes, you’re way too confident about things you think will happen.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Ceoh4yaM3Xf
Devin looking jacked

[rjv]

^^ i saw that instagram post today; also noticed that lonnie was at the gym.

[Mr. Body]

Jesus, who the heck needs Jalen Duren?

[John B]

Ceoh4yaM3Xf
Devin looking jacked

:wow:wow:wow Damn. The kid is going hard to the basket. Hopefully he average high teens and more

Can DJ starts bulking up a little also? The guy needs to get to the FT if he’s going to be a go-to scorer.

[The Truth #6]

That's Devin??? Looks like another person, like even in the face.

[R. DeMurre]

Holy shit! When I saw those arms, I thought it was a pic of Jalen Duren working out.

[Thomas82]

Jesus, who the heck needs Jalen Duren?

We do.

[Mr. Body]

We do.

Not with those arms. Devin Vassell ate Jalen Duren.

[Thomas82]

Not with those arms. Devin Vassell ate Jalen Duren.

Can't wait to see what Vassell brings in Year 3.

[John B]

Devin is listed 6’5 200 lbs? I doubt he’s still that

[Leetonidas]

Damn :wow DV24 putting in work

[slick'81]

Hes gonna be a beast this season

[GAustex]

Devon been hitting up Whataburger?

[Dex]

Ceoh4yaM3Xf
Devin looking jacked

Dude's out there looking like DRob

Hopefully he has a breakout season next year

[slick'81]

Dude's out there looking like DRob

Hopefully he has a breakout season next year


dudes gonna be a monster on both ends

[Chomag]

Gawd damn Devin!

[spurraider21]

looks good

[Ditty]

https://media3.giphy.com/media/pPbtlu4xkA8Zq/giphy.gif

[KingKev]

That's Devin??? Looks like another person, like even in the face.

haha the PEDs can do that.

[buttsR4rebounding]

haha the PEDs can do that.

He’s been partaking of that LBJ special blend.

[The Truth #6]

haha the PEDs can do that.

Ha. Seems like it.

Spurs: “Hey Devin, it appears that we have a lot of guards. Who knew?”

Devin: “Yeah, uhh, you just now noticed? Sorry, I mean, I guess you’re gonna need to draft some power forwards!” Laughs pleasantly then stops when they look confused.

Spurs: “That’s weird. No silly, we want you to finally play your natural position”

Devin: “Shooting guard?”

Spurs: “You jokester. Look, we need you to gain like 25 pounds this month.”

Awkward silence.

Spurs: “So we can try you out at power forward. Hello!”

Devin: “Right. Well, I guess I better start getting ripped!”

Something like that.

[slick'81]

Ha. Seems like it.

Spurs: “Hey Devin, it appears that we have a lot of guards. Who knew?”

Devin: “Yeah, uhh, you just now noticed? Sorry, I mean, I guess you’re gonna need to draft some power forwards!” Laughs pleasantly then stops when they look confused.

Spurs: “That’s weird. No silly, we want you to finally play your natural position”

Devin: “Shooting guard?”

Spurs: “You jokester. Look, we need you to gain like 25 pounds this month.”

Awkward silence.

Spurs: “So we can try you out at power forward. Hello!”

Devin: “Right. Well, I guess I better start getting ripped!”

Something like that.

fck pf devin is coming for poodles job

[poopbox]

Devin getting drug tested by the league first day of the off season tbh :lol

New Devin look like he ate old Devin :lol

[tim_duncan_fan]

He's going to make a big jump if he really is physically stronger.

[Ice009]

:wow:wow:wow Damn. The kid is going hard to the basket. Hopefully he average high teens and more

Can DJ starts bulking up a little also? The guy needs to get to the FT if he’s going to be a go-to scorer.

Ahh, Dejounte still did great at his current weight. He incremental improvement throughout the season month by month was awesome. MIP type of stuff.

He started the first two months of the season averaging under 20ppg, but by January it was 22.9ppg, Feb - 23.8ppg, March - 25.6ppg. As I mentioned a couple of times before, I would have loved to have seen what he could have done in April had he not gotten sick and was healthy enough to play those games and be in form going into the play-in game. The kid averaged 25.6ppg in March before getting sick. Amazing improvement from month to month. He was the MIP for me. If he were to get bigger/stronger so he can finish even better and draw more fouls, he might not have any limits.

Great stuff from Devin too. Already working hard. Great to see. Nothing but props from me. I already liked him, and he really won me over in the play-in game as I thought he was one of the Spurs' best players. Devin is looking like he could turn into a beast with this kind of work ethic.

[John B]

^ agree on DJ. But come end of game plays, he is too predictable doing a crossover and hoisting a perimeter shot. The guy needs to earn more trips to the FT line is all I’m saying to get to the next level.

[slick'81]

^ agree on DJ. But come end of game plays, he is too predictable doing a crossover and hoisting a perimeter shot. The guy needs to earn more trips to the FT line is all I’m saying to get to the next level.


i mean if reggie miller can get to the stripe so can dj right?

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Honestly the photo looks like he has a good pump from lifting and that he isn’t really that much bigger. Hopefully he has gotten a little bigger but not too big because it could cause him to be slower.

he did well in the play in game and played rock solid after we traded Derrick. I hope he improves on his play

[CGD]

Im most excited to see Devin next year. He showed a lot of promise in second half of year.

[John B]

I remember the story of Pop giving Kawhi MJ tape. I’m wondering if he does the same with Devin, who imo has the potential of being great, physique, his smooth high release shot, his athleticism and willingness to defend. I don’t want to say he’s a Kawhi. some people here are fast to comment on people’s comp but why not? It’s what makes basketball fun comparing and measuring them against each other. But as you can see with my chosen avatar, I think Devin could be headed for greatness.

https://www.givemesport.com/997795-watch-after-studying-tape-kawhi-leonard-acing-michael-jordan-final-exam

[slick'81]

I remember the story of Pop giving Kawhi MJ tape. I’m wondering if he does the same with Devin, who imo has the potential of being great, physique, his smooth high release shot, his athleticism and willingness to defend. I don’t want to say he’s a Kawhi. some people here are fast to comment on people’s comp but why not? It’s what makes basketball fun comparing and measuring them against each other. But as you can see with my chosen avatar, I think Devin could be headed for greatness.

https://www.givemesport.com/997795-watch-after-studying-tape-kawhi-leonard-acing-michael-jordan-final-exam


devins biggest issue is his confidence which pop is working on. When that comes,look the F out

[daslicer]

I remember the story of Pop giving Kawhi MJ tape. I’m wondering if he does the same with Devin, who imo has the potential of being great, physique, his smooth high release shot, his athleticism and willingness to defend. I don’t want to say he’s a Kawhi. some people here are fast to comment on people’s comp but why not? It’s what makes basketball fun comparing and measuring them against each other. But as you can see with my chosen avatar, I think Devin could be headed for greatness.

https://www.givemesport.com/997795-watch-after-studying-tape-kawhi-leonard-acing-michael-jordan-final-exam

I don't ever see him being like Kawhi. Kawhi had physical gifts he was born with. He had big ass hands and was built like a truck which allowed him to post up guys and go through them. Devin has a slim build. I can see him being an Alan Houston type of player with great defense if he reaches his ceiling which is a pretty good player.

[John B]

I don't ever see him being like Kawhi. Kawhi had physical gifts he was born with. He had big ass hands and was built like a truck which allowed him to post up guys and go through them. Devin has a slim build. I can see him being an Alan Houston type of player with great defense if he reaches his ceiling which is a pretty good player.

Come on man, I said I didn’t want to say he’s Kawhi precisely. But I was wondering if Pop sees him who can be an offensive force. I see Devin doesn’t have the quick step, but what he has is sweet svelte strokes, and can elevate and hang forever. Allan Houston is a good comp. But if not MJ, I’m going for Pippen :lol I remember when they’re promoting the Dream Team, with animation of Barkeley as brute force, and Pippen spinning like a ballerina. That grace and elegance I see on Devin. And maybe he can be a great two-way as Pippen. One can hope :bobo

[Ice009]

I always wanted Allan Houston on the Spurs, so I'd be more than happy with that type of ceiling. I really liked his game. Too bad his injuries didn't allow him to play longer. It's too bad that both Grant Hill and himself didn't stay in Detroit. I wonder what they could have done if they never had injuries that derailed their careers.

[slick'81]

I always wanted Allan Houston on the Spurs, so I'd be more than happy with that type of ceiling. I really liked his game. Too bad his injuries didn't allow him to play longer. It's too bad that both Grant Hill and himself didn't stay in Detroit. I wonder what they could have done if they never had injuries that derailed their careers.


to be fair grant still made the hall.(even if it was just college)when he was fully heathy

[Ice009]

to be fair grant still made the hall.(even if it was just college)when he was fully heathy

Well, yeah, Grant did amazing at the end of his career with a few revival years, but he could have been so much more. Tmac and GHill could have also been an amazing combo in Orlando. I liked Allan Houston due to his shooting/scoring, but also he really impressed me in the finals again the Spurs in 1999. Even in regular season games after the finals against the Spurs, he had some big games.

[rjv]

Honestly the photo looks like he has a good pump from lifting and that he isn’t really that much bigger. Hopefully he has gotten a little bigger but not too big because it could cause him to be slower.

he did well in the play in game and played rock solid after we traded Derrick. I hope he improves on his play

i saw another pic of devin where he's just on the court and there is no doubt that he put on some muscle mass and is definitely cut.

[ace3g]

CfcjDJ2JXId

[wildbill2u]

I'm trying to reconcile the discussion about Devin putting on some muscle with the idea that his shooting will therefore improve. Really? Maybe he'll be better on driving the lane with some added strength, but I don't think bulking up is going to make perimeter shots go down.

All I know is that his production of 3 pt shots last year at 36% put him in number 89th place in the league. If he is supposed to be our go to scorer at SG, then perhaps he ought to be working on eye/hand coordination or something that might seriously move the percentages up to 40%--not to mention a good dose of something to give him more agression about shooting. I'm hoping one of our rookies has that special confidence thing that born shooters have. So far I haven't seen it in Devin.

[Mr. Body]

Everyone puts on muscle in the NBA. You have to in order to survive. He has five months to get his shot back.

[Dejounte]

I'm trying to reconcile the discussion about Devin putting on some muscle with the idea that his shooting will therefore improve. Really? Maybe he'll be better on driving the lane with some added strength, but I don't think bulking up is going to make perimeter shots go down.

All I know is that his production of 3 pt shots last year at 36% put him in number 89th place in the league. If he is supposed to be our go to scorer at SG, then perhaps he ought to be working on eye/hand coordination or something that might seriously move the percentages up to 40%--not to mention a good dose of something to give him more agression about shooting. I'm hoping one of our rookies has that special confidence thing that born shooters have. So far I haven't seen it in Devin.

Look at his splits. He had three bad months between Dec to Feb. he was trending up towards the end of the season. Shooting is the last of his problems. It’s actually his greatest strength. When he tries to do more is the issue. He could excel as a Ray Allen type but he thinks he’s Kawhi Leonard and pulls up for inefficient 2’s. I’m sure that’s why they brought Malaki in. Having those two out there would be terror for defenses if Vassell sticks to his role.

[bluebellmaniac]

I'm trying to reconcile the discussion about Devin putting on some muscle with the idea that his shooting will therefore improve. Really? Maybe he'll be better on driving the lane with some added strength, but I don't think bulking up is going to make perimeter shots go down.

All I know is that his production of 3 pt shots last year at 36% put him in number 89th place in the league. If he is supposed to be our go to scorer at SG, then perhaps he ought to be working on eye/hand coordination or something that might seriously move the percentages up to 40%--not to mention a good dose of something to give him more agression about shooting. I'm hoping one of our rookies has that special confidence thing that born shooters have. So far I haven't seen it in Devin.

You throw in an absolute number like 89th and make it sound like that's a bad number. There are 30 teams and 15 players allowed per team, so out of about 450 players,.he's 89th with a 36% 3-pt shooting. That 36% converts to an equivalent of 54% 2-pt shooting. 54% 2-pt shooting is damn good. WTF are you picking something that is good and complaining about it.

There are so many things to complain about that are genuinely in need of some spotlight, stick to those. And if you can't understand when a stat is actually good, maybe don't mention anything at all?

[John B]

I'm trying to reconcile the discussion about Devin putting on some muscle with the idea that his shooting will therefore improve. Really? Maybe he'll be better on driving the lane with some added strength, but I don't think bulking up is going to make perimeter shots go down.

All I know is that his production of 3 pt shots last year at 36% put him in number 89th place in the league. If he is supposed to be our go to scorer at SG, then perhaps he ought to be working on eye/hand coordination or something that might seriously move the percentages up to 40%--not to mention a good dose of something to give him more agression about shooting. I'm hoping one of our rookies has that special confidence thing that born shooters have. So far I haven't seen it in Devin.

Keldon is the better 3 point shooter. We needed from Devin to attack the rim with contact and get to the FT line more. I don’t know the stats but I’m sure the Spurs were not in the top among teams going to the FT line. Plus it helps Devin also to defend stronger players when he switch. But I think he’s not done yet. Those will still rip and burn and get stronger. I also like him to develop backing down smaller defenders. Let’s go!

[DAF86]

I'm trying to reconcile the discussion about Devin putting on some muscle with the idea that his shooting will therefore improve. Really? Maybe he'll be better on driving the lane with some added strength, but I don't think bulking up is going to make perimeter shots go down.

All I know is that his production of 3 pt shots last year at 36% put him in number 89th place in the league. If he is supposed to be our go to scorer at SG, then perhaps he ought to be working on eye/hand coordination or something that might seriously move the percentages up to 40%--not to mention a good dose of something to give him more agression about shooting. I'm hoping one of our rookies has that special confidence thing that born shooters have. So far I haven't seen it in Devin.

Your problem is expecting a go to guy out of Devin. Vassell's projected role, imho, is a high-end 3-and-D player. The type of player that helps you win championships if you have the right franchise player.

Anyway, you are complaining about Vassell's 3 pt shooting as a sophomore when, first, 36% isn't bad, and, second, you are not considering development at all. Keldon shot 33% from 3 in his sophomore year and look at him now. It is unlikely that Devin doesn't keep improving that 3pt shooting %. In fact, when it's all said and done, Devin will probably end up as a better 3pt shooter than Keldon.

[rascal]

You throw in an absolute number like 89th and make it sound like that's a bad number. There are 30 teams and 15 players allowed per team, so out of about 450 players,.he's 89th with a 36% 3-pt shooting. That 36% converts to an equivalent of 54% 2-pt shooting. 54% 2-pt shooting is damn good. WTF are you picking something that is good and complaining about it.

There are so many things to complain about that are genuinely in need of some spotlight, stick to those. And if you can't understand when a stat is actually good, maybe don't mention anything at all?

89th best means every team will have two shooters better and 28 teams will have three shooters better so 89th is not very good if he is your top shooter or 2nd best shooter.

[Drom John]

Of players currently on the Spurs, Vassell was 5th in 3P%.
Having your 5th best 3P shooter be 89th in the league is not so bad.
.444 Richardson
.426 Dieng
.422 McDermott
.398 K.Johnson
.361 Vassell

[KingKev]

Of players currently on the Spurs, Vassell was 5th in 3P%.
Having your 5th best 3P shooter be 89th in the league is not so bad.
.444 Richardson
.426 Dieng
.422 McDermott
.398 K.Johnson
.361 Vassell

Decent percentages and none on volume for today’s NBA…

[tim_duncan_fan]

I'm trying to reconcile the discussion about Devin putting on some muscle with the idea that his shooting will therefore improve. Really? Maybe he'll be better on driving the lane with some added strength, but I don't think bulking up is going to make perimeter shots go down.

All I know is that his production of 3 pt shots last year at 36% put him in number 89th place in the league. If he is supposed to be our go to scorer at SG, then perhaps he ought to be working on eye/hand coordination or something that might seriously move the percentages up to 40%--not to mention a good dose of something to give him more agression about shooting. I'm hoping one of our rookies has that special confidence thing that born shooters have. So far I haven't seen it in Devin.

Strength is good for longer periods of shooting with a natural form. If you're weak or if you're unconditioned, you're going to compensate to get 3 point shots up after not too long. If he is getting stronger, that's going to benefit.

And Devin's going to need to be more of a chucker.

[BackHome]

I'm trying to reconcile the discussion about Devin putting on some muscle with the idea that his shooting will therefore improve. Really? Maybe he'll be better on driving the lane with some added strength, but I don't think bulking up is going to make perimeter shots go down.

All I know is that his production of 3 pt shots last year at 36% put him in number 89th place in the league. If he is supposed to be our go to scorer at SG, then perhaps he ought to be working on eye/hand coordination or something that might seriously move the percentages up to 40%--not to mention a good dose of something to give him more agression about shooting. I'm hoping one of our rookies has that special confidence thing that born shooters have. So far I haven't seen it in Devin.

Well that picture shows he is in a boxing ring so that helps with his hand and eye coordination and definitely will upgrade his conditioning and probably his confidence.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/JeffGSpursZone/status/1620218056751603712

[slick'81]

Stay away from the court devin. Hopefully he is sn early shutdown candidate

[XDT76]

He is not really jumping so probably still some way from return.

[John B]

While I like Spurs to shut him down and help the tank, I also don't like to derail his development from missing NBA games.

[kht]

At the end of the day, if you are healthy and the doctors clear you, you gotta ball. You're a basketball player. You can't just not play. He could get injured in the first minute of next season's opener.

[RC_Drunkford]

he can come back after the trade deadline. Once we trade some of the vets, we should be worse than before and keep losing

[John B]

he can come back after the trade deadline. Once we trade some of the vets, we should be worse than before and keep losing

I agree. But I doubt a Keldon/Vassell/Sochan/Collins could outtank Rockets and Pistons. They probably play better rallying once the vets got traded, which is often the case for young team. Remember how Keldon/Vassell picked up where DJ/White left off as goto scorers. Having consistent minutes could open up Roby, Romeo, Branham’s games. It’s possible.

[exstatic]

I agree. But I doubt a Keldon/Vassell/Sochan/Collins could outtank Rockets and Pistons. They probably play better rallying once the vets got traded, which is often the case for young team. Remember how Keldon/Vassell picked up where DJ/White left off as goto scorers. Having consistent minutes could open up Roby, Romeo, Branham’s games. It’s possible.

We don’t need to out tank them, just stay in the top 3 for our 14% golden ticket in the Wembystakes. I don’t care about only being able to be pushed down to 5, or being able to be pushed down to 7, if you’re not one or two, it’s flat from picks 3-15.

[heyheymymy]

Would be cool if they shelved Dev and let Blake and Bran see what develops with half a season of expanded focus and repetitions. Plus would be great for maintaining Ls.

Last season Tre seemed to turn a corner with time in the latter half of the season since DJ was out for a while. Maybe fast track some progress again.

[KingKev]

Would be cool if they shelved Dev and let Blake and Bran see what develops with half a season of expanded focus and repetitions. Plus would be great for maintaining Ls.

Last season Tre seemed to turn a corner with time in the latter half of the season since DJ was out for a while. Maybe fast track some progress again.

I think it is too early in Vassell’s development to shelve him. Especially in a contract year. I’d have him on a minutes restriction of 20-25mins a game, no back to backs for the final 15-20 games of the season. Also, remember he is in a contract year as he is extension eligible this summer.

I agree it’d be nice to give Wesley/Bran an extended leash and a consistent 20-25 mins a night each similar to what we did with Primo down the stretch last year.

We also have to further evaluate Langford as he is in a contract year.

[spurraider21]

id just offer vassell an extension now the same way we did with dejounte. ended up being a good deal for us, and its one of the things dejounte was very grateful for as well (per his interview with sjax). dejounte to that point had shown less than vassell in actual nba games and was coming off a much worse injury

if we were willing to pay keldon after last season, no reason not to pay vassell now

[KingKev]

id just offer vassell an extension now the same way we did with dejounte. ended up being a good deal for us, and its one of the things dejounte was very grateful for as well (per his interview with sjax). dejounte to that point had shown less than vassell in actual nba games and was coming off a much worse injury

if we were willing to pay keldon after last season, no reason not to pay vassell now


He isn’t extension eligible till this off-season and the severity of their injuries were different. Vassell probably wants to get out there and prove he is worth more than what we gave Keldon.

[spurraider21]

He isn’t extension eligible till this off-season and the severity of their injuries were different. Vassell probably wants to get out there and prove he is worth more than what we gave Keldon.
the sure, this offseason. and sure, i'd pay him more than we paid keldon

[cd98]

I'm sure the Spurs told him they are going to take care of him and that he needs to sit so they can surround him with top level talent through the lottery.

[KingKev]

I'm sure the Spurs told him they are going to take care of him and that he needs to sit so they can surround him with top level talent through the lottery.

Doubtful. We have a history of being frugal. They will offer him a fair deal or slight homegrown discount if history is any indication amd he most likely signs it given he hasn’t expanded his game outside of scoring.

Vassell isn’t that material of a floor raiser and an unlikely major peice of our future… not enough to completely shelve him when he is good to play.

[spurraider21]

Doubtful. We have a history of being frugal. They will offer him a fair deal or slight homegrown discount if history is any indication amd he most likely signs it given he hasn’t expanded his game outside of scoring.

Vassell isn’t that material of a floor raiser and an unlikely major peice of our future… not enough to completely shelve him when he is good to play.
i wouldnt shelve him either. but i'd extend him at seasons end anyway, fully expecting him to cost more than kelvin

[John B]

I’m okay with restricting Devin’s minutes to 20-25 and give Blake/Malaki more playing time. Malaki could be the prototypical SG with smooth strokes, while seeing him handle PG duties to get him engaged. Blake you don’t worry about being aggressive, he already but needs to be more poised and better decision making, and just let them fly when open.

[cd98]

Doubtful. We have a history of being frugal. They will offer him a fair deal or slight homegrown discount if history is any indication amd he most likely signs it given he hasn’t expanded his game outside of scoring.

Vassell isn’t that material of a floor raiser and an unlikely major peice of our future… not enough to completely shelve him when he is good to play.

Well, they paid DJM and in my opinion, Vassell has shown more. But it's absurd to think they aren't extending him on his rookie contract. He's showed them enough that he can shoot threes and be a competent scorer and he was already a good defender. At a minimum, you sign him and then perhaps trade him down the road, but players with his skill set are in high demand in the NBA. I'm pretty confident he will sign a contract this offseason. This isn't like Kawhi, when they were trying to save cap space for other players to surround him with talent. The Spurs will have plenty of money to sign him and other free agents.

But regardless, I don't think he has to play another minute this year to show what he has. And I prefer he didn't, because when he's played, he's been our best player on the court and now is not the time to try and win games.

[KingKev]

Well, they paid DJM and in my opinion, Vassell has shown more. But it's absurd to think they aren't extending him on his rookie contract. He's showed them enough that he can shoot threes and be a competent scorer and he was already a good defender. At a minimum, you sign him and then perhaps trade him down the road, but players with his skill set are in high demand in the NBA. I'm pretty confident he will sign a contract this offseason. This isn't like Kawhi, when they were trying to save cap space for other players to surround him with talent. The Spurs will have plenty of money to sign him and other free agents.

But regardless, I don't think he has to play another minute this year to show what he has. And I prefer he didn't, because when he's played, he's been our best player on the court and now is not the time to try and win games.

He probably wants to continue to show what he has in my argument. Tis will raise his value in restricted free agency. We’ve been lucky that no one has bid up the price for our RFAs in recent years but Vassell might actually get a materially better offer away.

[JPB]

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/35927346/lowe-10-things-evan-mobley-budding-two-way-superstar-scarce-space-obi-toppin-new-york-la-channels-manu-ginobili

Zach Lowe, 03.24.23

3. Devin Vassell's sweet, sweet jumper -- and what it opens up

(Videos format not supported on the forum, you can click in the link to see them).


Vassell's season has slipped under the radar for obvious reasons. The San Antonio Spurs are chasing Victor Wembanyama. Vassell has missed 35 games. He has improved in meaningful ways but hasn't quite broken out to the degree that would draw national fawning.

He's not super far from that. Vassell is averaging 19 points and approaching 40% on 3s, and testing the boundaries of his shot-making. The Spurs run this early pindown action for Vassell a lot:

https://media.video-cdn.espn.com/gifs/mp4/8_17_8_10__3Q__SAS_ATL____Vassell_2GIF.mp4

Vassell has a smooth, liquid jumper. He rises high and has a buttery touch. He makes that shot look easy. It's not. That's a cramped phone booth, and he catches that pass moving to his left. Later in that game, the Spurs ran an unconventional set to get Vassell a handoff in the right corner; Vassell made an outrageous leaning 3 almost falling out of bounds. He's shooting a gargantuan 44% on catch-and-shoot 3s.

Vassell has hit only 21 of 75 pull-up 3s, but he's comfortable jacking 2s on the pick-and-roll. Vassell has tripled his pick-and-roll volume this season, per Second Spectrum. The Spurs have scored 1.05 points per possession when Vassell shoots after using a ball screen or whips it to a teammate who launches -- 46th among 207 players who have run at least 100 such plays, per Second Spectrum. Given San Antonio's ad hoc roster, that number is massively encouraging.

Vassell is shooting 48% on long 2s. He's starting to understand the threat his pull-up poses -- how it worms its way into the minds of opposing defenders:

https://media.video-cdn.espn.com/gifs/mp4/9_47_9_40__4Q__ATL_SAS____Vassell_(2)_2GIF.mp4

Vassell knows the Atlanta Hawks will chase him over that pick. He knows he's quicker than his defender -- Bogdan Bogdanovic -- and that Bogdanovic will be primed to dart around that pick the moment Vassell glances there. Vassell fakes toward the screen with one hanging lefty dribble and then zooms the other way when Bogdanovic takes the bait.

Vassell saunters to the rim, and that's one of the next steps for him. He doesn't get to the basket or the line much. Vassell is a decent passer -- he's up to almost four dimes per game -- and driving more will help unlock that part of his game.

Vassell's defense hasn't been as airtight as hoped, but that's not surprising given the context. He'll be fine. On offense, he's showing signs of becoming a 20-plus-point scorer with strong secondary ballhandling chops.

[spurraider21]

what do we think contract extension talks will look like this offseason?

[exstatic]

what do we think contract extension talks will look like this offseason?

If it's like the other Spurs players that got one, it will play out until the last day deadline in October, then he'll sign it. We won't hear anything about $ amounts until the extension is announced.

[spurraider21]

If it's like the other Spurs players that got one, it will play out until the last day deadline in October, then he'll sign it. We won't hear anything about $ amounts until the extension is announced.
could get complicated by the new CBA and expected cap boom

[Leetonidas]

what do we think contract extension talks will look like this offseason?

Something like 4y/80m seems fair

[spurraider21]

Something like 4y/80m seems fair
i think his average salary on a 4 year deal would be closer to 25, but i also believe under the new CBA he can get a 5 year deal without having to be the max

[Seventyniner]

If it's like the other Spurs players that got one, it will play out until the last day deadline in October, then he'll sign it. We won't hear anything about $ amounts until the extension is announced.

Keldon signed his extension on July 18 last year. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Vassell signs one by the end of July this year.

Of course, it could also wait until October. It all depends on how far apart the sides are. They could have discussed it during the season; can the Spurs be talking to him and his agent now? Or is that not allowed until July 1?

[exstatic]

Keldon signed his extension on July 18 last year. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Vassell signs one by the end of July this year.

Of course, it could also wait until October. It all depends on how far apart the sides are. They could have discussed it during the season; can the Spurs be talking to him and his agent now? Or is that not allowed until July 1?

Well, I guess it’s 2 - 1. DJ and White both signed last day, and neither Lonnie or Sammich got one.

[Ariel]

Keldon signed his extension on July 18 last year. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Vassell signs one by the end of July this year.

Of course, it could also wait until October. It all depends on how far apart the sides are. They could have discussed it during the season; can the Spurs be talking to him and his agent now? Or is that not allowed until July 1?
Keldon's contract started looking smaller as other extensions piled up (Barrett, Poole, etc), so if I were Vassell I wouldn't want to rush it. For the Spurs it'd be better not to wait too long, or some dumb team may inevitably throw ridiculous money at a mediocre player and complicate things for us. I think he's getting 90M+.

[spurraider21]

Keldon's contract started looking smaller as other extensions piled up (Barrett, Poole, etc), so if I were Vassell I wouldn't want to rush it. For the Spurs it'd be better not to wait too long, or some dumb team may inevitably throw ridiculous money at a mediocre player and complicate things for us. I think he's getting 90M+.
i'd give him 4/90 without hesitation. if i understand correctly, we can even give him a 5 year deal without having to give him the max per the new cba. 5/120 is something i could live with

[Seventyniner]

I think 90/4 clears the market, but that's just an armchair QB prognosticator talking.

[mo7888]

Keldon's contract started looking smaller as other extensions piled up (Barrett, Poole, etc), so if I were Vassell I wouldn't want to rush it. For the Spurs it'd be better not to wait too long, or some dumb team may inevitably throw ridiculous money at a mediocre player and complicate things for us. I think he's getting 90M+.

He's not a RFA this summer is he? I was thinking it's just a rookie extension, hence no competition..

[spurraider21]

He's not a RFA this summer is he? I was thinking it's just a rookie extension, hence no competition..
yeah i mean, if vassell wants to say no to getting an extension done, play things out, bank on their being no big injury, and then try to cash in as a restricted free agent, sure good luck with that

more likely they try to get something done and the spurs have shown they're willing to take care of guys before they've really proven it, as they did with Murray and Keldon

we dont have any other rookie extensions looming in the pipeline anytime soon (lol primo) so i would just do what it takes to get something signed if im the spurs, even if it looks like a mild overpay at the time, by the end of the deal it could look like a bargain

[Ariel]

He's not a RFA this summer is he? I was thinking it's just a rookie extension, hence no competition..
The fact that he's not yet a RFA doesn't mean he's not looking at the market. If everybody's price is going up, he's not going to let that piece of information slide when setting his market value.

[poopbox]

4 for 100 to 110 would be good. Dude is on the cusp of stardom

[JPB]

The fact that he's not yet a RFA doesn't mean he's not looking at the market. If everybody's price is going up, he's not going to let that piece of information slide when setting his market value.

He sure should but Devin securing a first nice big contract and continuing developing in SA should do it for the spurs imo.

[KingKev]

I think 90/4 clears the market, but that's just an armchair QB prognosticator talking.

Sounds very possible. I’m in a similar boat and feel that is a fair market value.

[Chomag]

I still don't see him as a big impact player but he is a great complementary player to a star.