Devin Anthony Vassell Will Be a Candidate for MIP This Year

[John B]

In the wake of Dejounte’s trade and the Spurs are left without a real goto player, Devin Vassell will rise to the challenge as Spurs primary goto scorer and will be a candidate for Most Improved Player this year. I predict Devin will average close to 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assist, 1.5 blocks, 2 steals per game. There you go :bobo

[Leetonidas]

Not even gonna look it up but I can guess with almost 99% certainty that no one has ever averaged that statline in NBA history and if anyone ever did it was probably a top 15 All timer. Kinda unrealistic tbh

[KingKev]

On your 2K team?

[KingKev]

I do agree he wil probably make the biggest jump and is our best scorer.

He looks like he really filled out this year also and mught be more a force on the defensive end.

[Vince Carter's ankle]

The only non-bigman with more than 1 block shot per game last season was Thybulle. So it's doubtful.
5 assists also seems like a very serious leap for wing. Nephew and Middleton overcame this milestone only at the age of 29.

[John B]

You all forgetting Spurs don’t have a real option. His score will be up there. He will pass that ball once he gets guarded raising his assist. He is already a very good rebounder and should improve. He is averaging 1 steal already last season and is Spurs point of attack defender. I expect his steals to go up. Again these are very high numbers for a 3rd year, but a lot will be in his shoulders likewise Keldon. But Vassell has better overall game and that’s why I see him getting close to those numbers.

[KingKev]

Vassell & Primo averaging around that stat line combined is realistic however.

[Degoat]

Dev Avgs
14.8 ppg 5rpg 3.1 apg

[wildbill2u]

He will definitely have improved stats simply because he will probably be a starter and get a lot more minutes. Doesn't mean much to get better stats because he moves up into a bad starting lineup on a team in progress. Somebody has to score, assist, etc. at a reasonable NBA leverl or the team will have to be taken off the schedule as a no show. :rolleyes

[John B]

DJ averaged almost triple-double last year. Who would’ve expected that? I’m not giving double digit assist to Devin because he’s not the primary ball handler. But without DJ rebound, assist, steal, etc, somebody will pick it up. Devin is the best overall player the Spurs have, and imo a better overall player than DJ. What DJ has is tenacity to improve, which I hope Devin could much. But how funny it’d be if Devin gets the MIP and DJ didn’t :lol

[GAustex]

DJM had that dribble pull up game which works well with the clock winding down.
Who is left with that?
Tre?
Primo
The two rookies

[Sugus]

DJM had that dribble pull up game which works well with the clock winding down.
Who is left with that?
Tre?
Primo
The two rookies

Primo definitely has it, Tre definitely doesn't.

A lot of these question marks will be answered as soon as we get clarity on starting roles & positions. Much less opportunities for pull-up anythings if you're not bringing the ball up the court nor setting up plays.

[spurraider21]

everybody is a candidate

[John B]

Both Keldon and Devin production should skyrocket with bigger roles to fill. I’m just giving it to Devin because he’s the better overall player between the two.

[Kevin]

People are really overrating Dev relative to Keldon. KJ really broke out in the second half of last season averaging 21Pts 6.5 RB's and 2 assist's.

[Rocalcio]

No way he makes 1,5 blocks

[John B]

People are really overrating Dev relative to Keldon. KJ really broke out in the second half of last season averaging 21Pts 6.5 RB's and 2 assist's.

And I think Keldon will be even better, hopefully playing the 3. Again I’m putting Vassell as MIP candidate because he’s more of a natural scorer, and it would be a big jump from averaging 12 pts last year.

[KingKev]

That stat line takes Vassell from missing the Rising Stars fame in 2022 to a top 25-30 player in the NBA.

You are predicting he is going to average his career high. Would warrant MIP considerations if he did though.

[John B]

That stat line takes Vassell from missing the Rising Stars fame in 2022 to a top 25-30 player in the NBA.

You are predicting he is going to average his career high. Would warrant MIP considerations if he did though.

Without a real option in this team, why not? The only thing is he needs to be aggressive like Keldon and DJ was. But he got a chip not getting the nod at the Rising Star, so let’s see.

[KobesAchilles]

No he won't. But I hope I'm wrong. We are gonna tank hard this year and nobody on our team is gonna be most improved. Sad part is that some all star is gonna go from 21 ppg to 26 ppg and win it :lol

[John B]

No he won't. But I hope I'm wrong. We are gonna tank hard this year and nobody on our team is gonna be most improved. Sad part is that some all star is gonna go from 21 ppg to 26 ppg and win it :lol

I’m not saying they are going to win a lot of games. But somebody still have to score. I just see Devin having more jump from averaging 12 pts last year

[slick'81]

If john b predicts it! yall better listen up

[emanueldavidginobili]

Dev Avgs
14.8 ppg 5rpg 3.1 apg
I'll actually be disappointed if he ends up at 14.8 per game. He averaged 12.3 last year, drafted him at 11 overall you'd hope in his third year and without DJ who had the most shot attempts he'd be able to score more than that. I think Devin and KJ rotate pretty often on who shoots it the most per game. Anything under 16.5-17 PPG will be a disappointment imo.

[John B]

If john b predicts it! yall better listen up

I’ve had some hits. All I’m saying is he has the most to get from the current situation, and very capable. If he takes advantage of his opportunities, which he should, he’d be close to

[exstatic]

Going from #5 on the totem pole to #2, he should break 20 points, hopefully in an efficient non-checker way.

[Rummpd]

This is what has become here - arguments over stats on the players others don’t cover on the projected worst team in NBA led by the worst FO and an over the hill coach. Bottom line don’t care till we get a competitive winner again.

[John B]

This is what has become here - arguments over stats on the players others don’t cover on the projected worst team in NBA led by the worst FO and an over the hill coach. Bottom line don’t care till we get a competitive winner again.

It’s pre-season. What do you want to talk about in ST, the Queen of England? :lol

[offset formation]

It’s pre-season. What do you want to talk about in ST, the Queen of England? :lol

Lizzy's in a box...

[lefty]

J Rich said Vassell is probably the young player who will have the biggest improvement this year, based on what he has seen in training camp

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Vassell and Jones are gonna both improve statistically this season. I don’t think he is getting the star line that the thread starter said though.

[KingKev]

Vassell looks like shit. This chatter about him being a 2 way player is not warranted.

[Dejounte]

Vassell looked like he bulked up in photos but clearly still looks small next to other players. His frame is just built that way. He’s never going to be this huge player who magically would push players around that folks fantasize about.

I’m not like other folks who think he’s destined to be a garbage player either. I think he could be a great one, just not the type that people envision. His game is NOWHERE close to the playstyle of Kawhi which I said from the beginning yet people kept forcing unto him because he has some semblance of a two way game. He can be good if he stuck to his minimal ball handling, pure catch and shoot role. There are legends who made a living this way. He does not need to try too much. Clearly, he has talent in shooting. He can keep doing his “dribble 2-3 towards the hoop from mid range and pull up” move— I think those go in and are effective for him. But all the nonsense with him trying to drive to the basket only to get swatted or turn the ball over? That needs to stop. Obviously, drive it to the basket when there’s an opening…but in traffic? His instinct there is bad. It could improve, sure. But it’s not his bread and butter and there are better things he can focus on.

KBD is out-Vasselling Vassell. Vassell could be a smaller, quicker version of what KBD was showing in preseason game 2. That’s a useful player with a decent ceiling if he just mastered that. The way I see it, he could be a player that makes 5 3’s a game frequently if he was getting them via catch and shoot. That’s how good he can become but only if he dropped this nonsense.

[KingKev]

Vassell looked like he bulked up in photos but clearly still looks small next to other players. His frame is just built that way. He’s never going to be this huge player who magically would push players around that folks fantasize about.

I’m not like other folks who think he’s destined to be a garbage player either. I think he could be a great one, just not the type that people envision. His game is NOWHERE close to the playstyle of Kawhi which I said from the beginning yet people kept forcing unto him because he has some semblance of a two way game. He can be good if he stuck to his minimal ball handling, pure catch and shoot role. There are legends who made a living this way. He does not need to try too much. Clearly, he has talent in shooting. He can keep doing his “dribble 2-3 towards the hoop from mid range and pull up” move— I think those go in and are effective for him. But all the nonsense with him trying to drive to the basket only to get swatted or turn the ball over? That needs to stop. Obviously, drive it to the basket when there’s an opening…but in traffic? His instinct there is bad. It could improve, sure. But it’s not his bread and butter and there are better things he can focus on.

KBD is out-Vasselling Vassell. Vassell could be a smaller, quicker version of what KBD was showing in preseason game 2. That’s a useful player with a decent ceiling if he just mastered that. The way I see it, he could be a player that makes 5 3’s a game frequently if he was getting them via catch and shoot. That’s how good he can become but only if he dropped this nonsense.

At the risk of making player comparisons from the glory days Vassell could be a Danny Green archetype.

A nice stroke and defensive specialist but even his D wavers. It’s not lack of effort it’s just nothing to write home about.

[Fireball]

so far in hisNBA career Vassell has been a very streaky player changing from hot to cold every few weeks/months ... he definitely is starting pre-season on the cold side

[spurraider21]

Lol of course he looks good in camp going against McDermott and Joe meinkampf

[Dverde]

It’s okay. He just needs reps and maybe another year to develop. Still believe in him as a feature starter. I don’t think he’ll ever be an All Star, but he’s a good young player.

[John B]

24 pts, 3-5 from 3pts in 22 minutes, to lead the Spurs to their first victory of the... Pre-Season :lol.

I think we'll see more of this production from Devin, and even better as he gets getting used to being the primary or 2nd option.

[slick'81]

Yup, called it at the end of last season. I told yall when johnB speaks yall better listen up:bobo

[heyheymymy]

good call OP

[John B]

Yup, called it at the end of last season. I told yall when johnB speaks yall better listen up:bobo

My man :bobo

[ismael-robert]

Slick81 johnb alt confirmed

[John B]

Slick81 johnb alt confirmed

Great minds think alike :bobo

[rjv]

there's always the possibility that keldon takes that MIP away from devin.

[KingKev]

there's always the possibility that keldon takes that MIP away from devin.

Keldon has a pretty stout year last year. Unless he goes Ja I doubt he gets much of a look.

Vassell might become a 17-20 a night scorer but he doesn’t do anything else very well. I don’t think he gets on ppl’s radar. Maybe if playing on a better team.

[rjv]

Keldon has a pretty stout year last year. Unless he goes Ja I doubt he gets much of a look.

Vassell might become a 17-20 a night scorer but he doesn’t do anything else very well. I don’t think he gets on ppl’s radar. Maybe if playing on a better team.


that's exactly the reason i mentioned it. after last season, i have no idea what the bar is. or, last year's vote may have been an indication of how some voters don't spend too much time watching these players from year to year. it's very different from our vantage point.

[John B]

that's exactly the reason i mentioned it. after last season, i have no idea what the bar is. or, last year's vote may have been an indication of how some voters don't spend too much time watching these players from year to year. it's very different from our vantage point.

I think Keldon will get some notice and might even get AS nod. But Keldon was already averaging 17pts last year, so he would’ve to average 27pts to mimic Ja’s MIP year, which is still possible. But Devin was just 12 pts last year. If he averages 24 pts like last night, wouldn’t that be a significant improvement? That’s my rationality. And somebody has to score, so I hope both of them take advantage of the opportunity.

[cd98]

Vassell, in my opinion, has always looked smooth. I think he will thrive, but hopefully not too much. We need to lose games.

Nice to see the three point shooting and him moving well with or without the ball in his hands. If he can ever make it to a secondary creator, that would be awesome. He seems to have that kind of potential more than Johnson, but my guess is neither get there. But Vassell could develop into a No. 3 on a playoff team.

[John B]

In the wake of Dejounte’s trade and the Spurs are left without a real goto player, Devin Vassell will rise to the challenge as Spurs primary goto scorer and will be a candidate for Most Improved Player this year. I predict Devin will average close to 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assist, 1.5 blocks, 2 steals per game. There you go :bobo



B2B games with 22 points :bobo

[John B]

Well well well Devin with another 22+ :toast

[slick'81]

He's a stud

[Seventyniner]

He had some really boneheaded passes during that big Wolves run,but overall he was a big plus.

[Atl Spur]

Fickle spurs fans were blasting dude a week ago…. Classic

[Ice009]

Great stuff from Devin. I did say he was our best player in the play-in game. I felt he was one of the only players to show up in the biggest game of the season on the road against a pretty good team. Don't really care what Dejounte did during the regular season as I put more stock in that one game as I'm used to guys like Tim, Manu, Tony raising it up in the playoffs. Having said that, I'll give Dejounte a pass as he was out sick in prior games, but Devin showed me a lot in the play-in game mentality wise. The kid is looking great and confident out there. Love to see it.

[Mr. Body]

He looks way better than game 1. Self-assured, gets his shots. I'd love him to be even more aggressive, but then when the team is moving the ball around like this plenty of points will come his way.

[John B]

That pass then reposition for a 3 was Ray Allen-isque :toast

[RC_Drunkford]

His off the dribble pull up game is coming along very well and there's still so much room for improvement. Very promising

[Rocalcio]

What strikes me the most is his passing abilities improvement.

[KingKev]

Dammit John B

[John B]

Dammit John B (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=42719)

:lol And Devin barely scratched the surface.

[Atl Spur]

I can’t wait to see him and Branham trash defenses! We may be cooking with Crisco!!

[John B]

I can’t wait to see him and Branham trash defenses! We may be cooking with Crisco!!

Damn those two have the smoothest strokes and play so well without the ball. And don’t forget Blake who can break defenses, once he polished his game.

[DAF86]

The meltdown inside Dejounte's head if Vassell wins MIP after him getting snubbed last year and his comments about nobody paying attention to what happens in San Antonio. :lol

[mo7888]

The meltdown inside Dejounte's head if Vassell wins MIP after him getting snubbed last year and his comments about nobody paying attention to what happens in San Antonio. :lol

I like how you're thinking.... that would be a "beautiful game" lol

[The Truth #6]

Devin seems to be playing to his strengths. I think that's one of the main differences to the earlier games, including in pre-season. I think he saw that he isn't ready to lead the team and take people off the dribble and do other things that he likely worked on in the off-season, but it can improve over time. For now, he gets his points in the flow through movement and team play. Nothing wrong with that.

[KingKev]

If DV gets MIP I vote for John B to win Spurs Talk MVP 2022-2023.

[John B]

If DV gets MIP I vote for John B (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=42719) to win Spurs Talk MVP 2022-2023.

:lmao:bobo

I’m telling you bruh. If Devin continues this he has a pretty good chance. And Keldon too gets an AS nod. What the heck, Pop gets another COY if Spurs record close to decent. But heck, I rather get Victor or Scoot :lol

[BackHome]

Damn those two have the smoothest strokes and play so well without the ball. And don’t forget Blake who can break defenses, once he polished his game.

I really like our PG - Tre, Primo, Blake - I will be keeping on Blake in Austin because he could be easily our best complete player if he can make the transition to be a PG. I still think Primo will be best as a combo guard but I am also expecting him to get better as the season goes. Then at SG you got Vassell, Branham, Primo that is a solid core on any team. Then at PF we got Sochan, and Roby - I have high hope for Roby but will see how the season goes.

If we fall out of a top 9 draft pick then I would definitely look at SF, and Center - If Poodle is not going to sign then we have to draft a Center, if he stays yeah best player but would look at SF and Center for depth

[John B]

I really like our PG - Tre, Primo, Blake - I will be keeping on Blake in Austin because he could be easily our best complete player if he can make the transition to be a PG. I still think Primo will be best as a combo guard but I am also expecting him to get better as the season goes. Then at SG you got Vassell, Branham, Primo that is a solid core on any team. Then at PF we got Sochan, and Roby - I have high hope for Roby but will see how the season goes.

If we fall out of a top 9 draft pick then I would definitely look at SF, and Center - If Poodle is not going to sign then we have to draft a Center, if he stays yeah best player but would look at SF and Center for depth

I’m completely down on your assessment. It sounds like you’re not expecting this roster finishing bottom 3. Part of me wishing for a chance at the Victor/Scoot sweepstakes, part of me wishing this current continues to overachieve. What better way to improve than getting rewarded with a W? I really like our young core. I think if Keldon/Devin/Sochan develop into AS caliber players, then a solid role players of Poeltl, Tre, Primo, Roby, Branham and Wesley would be awesome if they all make the leap. I even like keeping JRich.

But I think if the trend is 25 wins or less, then I would try to lose as much games due to health (wink wink). It’s a balance where you can take this current roster this season, and when to decide it’s better to get a better draft position.

[SpurSpike]

He isn't playing tomorrow against the Bulls either which is a surprise.

[Ice009]

He isn't playing tomorrow against the Bulls either which is a surprise.

Has the exact injury been disclosed? I hope he's alright.

[John B]

He isn't playing tomorrow against the Bulls either which is a surprise.

Both Devin and Primo will still be out tomorrow.

[mystargtr34]

Knee soreness in a 22 yo ain’t ideal tbh. Let’s hope it was a knock to the knee like a knee on knee as opposed to non-contact soreness.

[Fireball]

Knee soreness in a 22 yo ain’t ideal tbh. Let’s hope it was a knock to the knee like a knee on knee as opposed to non-contact soreness.

yeah just saw that he will miss the chicago game as well ...

[Mr. Body]

He's been pretty durable so far. I hope that continues.

[Ocotillo]

I would not be surprised if there are a lot of games missed this season by various players. While it is not load management in the classic sense of giving a star/vet some rest, but just a way of keeping the development going for players who would not typically be getting game experience. The injury to Vassell has been vague, basically a sore knee. It sounds like the type of injury a player would play through normally. Or glute spasms for Primo?

Later in the season Sochan and other recent draftees should be hitting the rookie wall. Sitting a player for the mildest thing allows for real NBA game time for others on the roster to develop (or not) and hopefully minimizes the impact of the grind of the regular season. Since the goal to focus on improving and if oh, by the way, the team has a bad enough record to score a top three pick, that's gravy.

All I am saying is I am skeptical Vassell cannot play.

[rascal]

I would not be surprised if there are a lot of games missed this season by various players. While it is not load management in the classic sense of giving a star/vet some rest, but just a way of keeping the development going for players who would not typically be getting game experience. The injury to Vassell has been vague, basically a sore knee. It sounds like the type of injury a player would play through normally. Or glute spasms for Primo?

Later in the season Sochan and other recent draftees should be hitting the rookie wall. Sitting a player for the mildest thing allows for real NBA game time for others on the roster to develop (or not) and hopefully minimizes the impact of the grind of the regular season. Since the goal to focus on improving and if oh, by the way, the team has a bad enough record to score a top three pick, that's gravy.

All I am saying is I am skeptical Vassell cannot play.

Early season tank starting.

The Spurs have won too many games out of the gate. Spurs have their sights on the VW sweepstakes.

[RC_Drunkford]

I would not be surprised if there are a lot of games missed this season by various players. While it is not load management in the classic sense of giving a star/vet some rest, but just a way of keeping the development going for players who would not typically be getting game experience. The injury to Vassell has been vague, basically a sore knee. It sounds like the type of injury a player would play through normally. Or glute spasms for Primo?

Later in the season Sochan and other recent draftees should be hitting the rookie wall. Sitting a player for the mildest thing allows for real NBA game time for others on the roster to develop (or not) and hopefully minimizes the impact of the grind of the regular season. Since the goal to focus on improving and if oh, by the way, the team has a bad enough record to score a top three pick, that's gravy.

All I am saying is I am skeptical Vassell cannot play.

CIA Pop. He will also rest plenty of guys during back to backs later in the season

[TXstbobcat]

Per Tom Orsborn

Vassell (sore left knee), Primo (sore left glute) are out vs. Chicago on Friday, according to injury report #Spurs submitted to league tonight.

[rascal]

He's more likely to be in and out of the lineup with inconsistency and shut down early down the stretch for the final push for VW.

[slick'81]

He's more likely to be in and out of the lineup with inconsistency and shut down early down the stretch for the final push for VW.


if only. Vw is definitely a pipe dream

[Mr. Body]

He's more likely to be in and out of the lineup with inconsistency and shut down early down the stretch for the final push for VW.

Fourteen percent bro

[SpurSpike]

And, he's out again vs the Twolves tomorrow...

[Mr. Body]

Christ man.

[Ice009]

It's just an injury, right? There's nothing else going on beyond that?

[Chomag]

Hmmm...

[mystargtr34]

Starting to wonder now.

[Chomag]

Was he at the game last night? Kind of strange if he wasn't since it was a home game but that could mean nothing of course.

[couchman]

He was there

[slick'81]

Vassell ain't flashing his junk around

[emanueldavidginobili]

Was he at the game last night? Kind of strange if he wasn't since it was a home game but that could mean nothing of course.
Yeah I saw him on the bench wearing a Spurs sweatsuit.

[RC_Drunkford]

Yeah I saw him on the bench wearing a Spurs sweatsuit.

Man why y'all making up fantasies? He was there, he wore a grey Gunna sweater, jeans and jewelry :lol @ Spurs sweat suit

[Mr. Body]

Word is the team hasn't finished going through all the security footage in the city making sure he didn't pop out his willie, too. All the other players are completed.

[DPG21920]

Classic case of Spurs youth being always underrated. Not only by casuals that never watch SA (which is understandable) but many of our own fans just opine about how SA youth has low ceilings and other teams have such great youth. It’s not a knock on others youth either; when you tank you get top 5 picks you get better chance at stars!

But theres a reason that everyone who thought the team would suck by losing DeRozan are “shocked” Murray turned into a low end all star. Then are “surprised” when Vassell and Keldon leap.

There’s a real mental block when it comes to many peoples ability to evaluate the upside of SA youth. The fact they keep winning way more than expected despite losing guys like DeRozan etc…should be your sign that maybe, just maybe, you are not that good at evaluation of the Spurs youth.

[BackHome]

Fourteen percent bro

I will take 14% over 0% any day of the week

[Ocotillo]

The fact they keep winning way more than expected despite losing guys like DeRozan etc…should be your sign that maybe, just maybe, you are not that good at evaluation of the Spurs youth.

Unpossible!

[offset formation]

Classic case of Spurs youth being always underrated. Not only by casuals that never watch SA (which is understandable) but many of our own fans just opine about how SA youth has low ceilings and other teams have such great youth. It’s not a knock on others youth either; when you tank you get top 5 picks you get better chance at stars!

But theres a reason that everyone who thought the team would suck by losing DeRozan are “shocked” Murray turned into a low end all star. Then are “surprised” when Vassell and Keldon leap.

There’s a real mental block when it comes to many peoples ability to evaluate the upside of SA youth. The fact they keep winning way more than expected despite losing guys like DeRozan etc…should be your sign that maybe, just maybe, you are not that good at evaluation of the Spurs youth.

**Vegas** had them with the lowest possible championship odds.

Speaking for myself, I fully expected us to suck and have one of the bottom 3 or 4 records but i always said I would reserve judgement on it until I got to see Sochan play with the team because if Pop played him as a starter he had a chance to help our defense by making DJ a 3. And Sochan has impressed beyond my hopes switching 1 to 5. And his transition offense is a game changer. We now have a very solid 2-5 as Vassell has rounded into a more consistent scorer as most of us ecpected. Our PG is lagging but not atrocious and the bench now that you have Richardson coming in from there rounds out to be a very nice club. That said, their cieling is still mediocre, and they'll still be middle of the road at best unless and until we get a top end talent in the draft.

Not sure to whom you were responding but who here was expecting us to suck because we lost Demar? We sucked since we got him minus the first year when LMA was an All-Star still. Also many were, and still are, expecting a trade of Poeltl and Richardsonat some point.

[BackHome]

He's more likely to be in and out of the lineup with inconsistency and shut down early down the stretch for the final push for VW.

Yeah, OK shut down SGA for the last 30 games for no reason and that is how they got the 2nd pick...

[PhantomDashCam]

Keldon may actually be more deserving of this award when it’s all said and done. His leap this year from starter to sure fire all-star is absolutely incredible. Granted, it’s early, but the guy was out there playing the Point for stretches tonight. :tu

[RC_Drunkford]

KJ is getting that trophy

[Mr. Body]

I will take 14% over 0% any day of the week

Means you have to throw away an entire year of development and progress with the team you have. Then you've just fucked up bad when you don't get the player.

[slick'81]

KJ is getting that trophy

and an allstar nod

[DPG21920]

**Vegas** had them with the lowest possible championship odds.

Speaking for myself, I fully expected us to suck and have one of the bottom 3 or 4 records but i always said I would reserve judgement on it until I got to see Sochan play with the team because if Pop played him as a starter he had a chance to help our defense by making DJ a 3. And Sochan has impressed beyond my hopes switching 1 to 5. And his transition offense is a game changer. We now have a very solid 2-5 as Vassell has rounded into a more consistent scorer as most of us ecpected. Our PG is lagging but not atrocious and the bench now that you have Richardson coming in from there rounds out to be a very nice club. That said, their cieling is still mediocre, and they'll still be middle of the road at best unless and until we get a top end talent in the draft.

Not sure to whom you were responding but who here was expecting us to suck because we lost Demar? We sucked since we got him minus the first year when LMA was an All-Star still. Also many were, and still are, expecting a trade of Poeltl and Richardsonat some point.

Ya - we “suck” in context of playoff teams, but I was referring to the many fans that thought losing DeRozan or not playing aging vets meant the bottom would fall out when it should have been obvious that was not going to happen.

The youth is always mostly underrated - which fair enough; if you dont want to anoint them before they prove it over and over I get it and thats fair. But not even seeing the talent at all?

[Atl Spur]

Man why y'all making up fantasies? He was there, he wore a grey Gunna sweater, jeans and jewelry :lol @ Spurs sweat suit

What type of cologne was he wearing? Damn….

[John B]

Keldon getting that AS nod will be nice. I can’t wait to see the matchup against borderline AS DJ and the Hawks :lol

[CGD]

Keldon getting that AS nod will be nice. I can’t wait to see the matchup against borderline AS DJ and the Hawks :lol

What’s an ass nod?

[RC_Drunkford]

What type of cologne was he wearing? Damn….

tell us Ms. Cleo since you’re so good at predicting the future :lmao

[Vince Carter's ankle]

1589640921108611075

[SPURt]

1589640921108611075
Good for Indiana getting bennedict mathurin, he’s looking good

[John B]

1589640921108611075

Too bad if Spurs would continue to lose then Devin (and Keldon) would not get the recognition(s) that they deserve.

[John B]

https://twitter.com/netsnationcp/status/1592518503247925248?s=46&t=bIovbrd8PADmhE1hO08n0QDevin Vassell needs to be in the talk for Most Improved Player this season. He has seen a jump in his overall game and an eight-point gain in PPG compared to last season. #GoSpursGo #PorVida


https://twitter.com/twoshotspodcast/status/1592372546921340928?s=46&t=bIovbrd8PADmhE1hO08n0Q

I don’t know how to properly upload videos. But yeah, Sean mentioned last night Devin’s jump in scoring at +8.7 as the highest in the NBA this year. Devin if he continues, should get that consideration. But idk in a losing season. Lauri has strong bid also.

[Drom John]

The Ringer: The NBA First-Month(ish) Awards
Michael Pina, Nov. 14, 2022


Most Improved Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Two years ago, SGA was handed the keys to an Oklahoma City offense that was suddenly driverless after losing Chris Paul and Dennis Schröder. He responded with a breakout campaign—a 23.7-point scoring average and deadeye 3-point shooting off the bounce—that was ultimately dampened by the Thunder’s race to the bottom and SGA missing the season’s final 29 games.

What Gilgeous-Alexander is doing now, though, can’t be ignored. He currently ranks seventh in points per game, sixth in PER, first in drives per game, first in 2-point baskets, tied for third in steals, eighth in win shares, ninth in estimated plus/minus, and seventh in usage rate on a would-be-tanking Thunder team that’s outscoring opponents by 3.8 points per 100 possessions when he plays.

SGA always has been a savant getting downhill, but his body control on drives to the rim is more advanced now. The way he changes speeds makes guarding him feel like you’re trying to sip an open mug of hot coffee in stop-and-go traffic. All pump fakes, pivots, and sharp shoulders. His Euro-step might as well take place on a cloud, an airy hop into his teardrop floater. It’s this lithe combination of strength, deceleration, length, and unbridled creativity that makes stopping Gilgeous-Alexander’s progress one of this season’s hardest tasks.

If reports of him getting antsy in Oklahoma City prove true, several backcourt-needy teams with assets to burn (think Pelicans, Knicks, Heat, Wizards, Raptors, and … Jazz/Spurs?) would be very wise to invest. Gilgeous-Alexander was really good coming into this season. Now he’s one of the most unstoppable scorers in basketball and very well could be a front-runner in the next category, too, if he played for a team that wasn’t likely to be terrible by the time All-Star voting closes.

Honorable mention: Desmond Bane, Devin Vassell, Anfernee Simons, Bol Bol

[John B]

The Ringer: The NBA First-Month(ish) Awards
Michael Pina, Nov. 14, 2022

Thanks for sharing.

Sadly it’s the same fate for Devin (an even Keldon for All-Star) playing for a losing team, especially if they embrace the tank.

[B1gduff]

I said this before and I'll say this again, Vassell has the highest offensive upside on our team. He still needs to improve his mid range and ball handling, and once he does that he will be special. I would say that year, he's in the same tier as Demar derozan, but with the improvements, he could unlock another tier. We've seen flashes of this, we've seen him take over games, hit tough shot and look unstoppable.

[lefty]

1589640921108611075
lol at people calling Steph, Luka and Tatum chuckers

[lefty]

I said this before and I'll say this again, Vassell has the highest offensive upside on our team. He still needs to improve his mid range and ball handling, and once he does that he will be special. I would say that year, he's in the same tier as Demar derozan, but with the improvements, he could unlock another tier. We've seen flashes of this, we've seen him take over games, hit tough shot and look unstoppable.
He's also a better 3 point shooter than DDR and a better defender

I know, that's super obvious lol

[RC_Drunkford]

lol at people calling Steph, Luka and Tatum chuckers

that's elite company. Would be great if he can keep that up

[lefty20]

We need Vassell and KJ to get better at drawing fouls and earning FTs.

That's one thing most elite teams have. Players who can get to the charity stripe to settle the team down when jumpers are not falling.

[John B]

29 pts 11-19 shooting, 4-9 from the 3 (a lot of moving, over defender), 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Not too shabby.

But what is impressive is the way he creates for his shot, his handles and aggressiveness attacking his defender, instead of just passively catching. Devin has truly embraced that goto scorer role. And as Timvp says, he could very well end up as top 20 scorer in the league.

The rebuilding season has been good so far, catapulting Keldon, Vassell into goto scorers. Tre developing great leadership and poise, Sochan’s ballhandling and passing, Bassey’s emergence as another big. Roby, KBD getting better. And pretty much the team competing every night and just getting better.

[buttsR4rebounding]

As good as Devin is playing I think it has become obvious that the Spurs blew it by not taking Haliburton (who was just named player of the week btw). Still am irritated by it.

[KingKev]

If Branham keeps this up Devin Anthony Vassell might be traded before his extension.

[John B]

If Branham keeps this up Devin Anthony Vassell might be traded before his extension.

I don’t agree as I don’t see the same skill set in them. While both are prolific scorers with long range shot, Branham lately has shown ballhandling skills and a facilitator, whether as a starting PG or a backup is another discussion. Yet Branham is not as good a defender as Devin, not tall and not athletic enough. Devin can chase down block and is a very good help defender. Earlier in the season, yes their skills could be redundant, with Devin having defensive edge. But lately Branham changed that. He gives Pop another option as a facilitator, while Devin remains a SG/SF defensive player.

If ever I see Keldon as potentially could be moved. While he has improved a lot as a SF, Devin is still the better SF fit between the two. Still I doubt the Spurs would move Keldon. BUT, the Spurs would need to be competitive in 2 years or Keldon could be wanting to get traded. I no longer see that giddy face anymore, maybe Keldon has matured a lot as the leader, or maybe because he doesn’t like losing. He’s an Olympic gold medalist, a borderline AS and highly competitive. I just don’t see him taking loses lightly. Keldon might start to express frustrations if things don’t change in the next two years imo.

[KingKev]

I don’t agree as I don’t see the same skill set in them. While both are prolific scorers with long range shot, Branham lately has shown ballhandling skills and a facilitator, whether as a starting PG or a backup is another discussion. Yet Branham is not as good a defender as Devin, not tall and not athletic enough. Devin can chase down block and is a very good help defender. Earlier in the season, yes their skills could be redundant, with Devin having defensive edge. But lately Branham changed that. He gives Pop another option as a facilitator, while Devin remains a SG/SF defensive player.

If ever I see Keldon as potentially could be moved. While he has improved a lot as a SF, Devin is still the better SF fit between the two. Still I doubt the Spurs would move Keldon. BUT, the Spurs would need to be competitive in 2 years or Keldon could be wanting to get traded. I no longer see that giddy face anymore, maybe Keldon has matured a lot as the leader, or maybe because he doesn’t like losing. He’s an Olympic gold medalist, a borderline AS and highly competitive. I just don’t see him taking loses lightly. Keldon might start to express frustrations if things don’t change in the next two years imo.

Vassell is only an inch taller and while-his offensive game has taken a nice jump labelling him a prolific scorer is a reach. Branham has the potential to be a prolific scorer however and while I agree he is more of a combo guard if he does take that leap their overlap becomes abit redundant. The notion Vassell is a good defender really hasn’t been supported by his play.

I agree Keldon is more likely to be moved. Longer term you can’t have two turn-styles at the 2 and 3.

[RC_Drunkford]

John B is just high on every Spurs rookie. We got 7 future All-Stars on our team and would have 8 if Primo didn't show his dick to everybody

[John B]

John B is just high on every Spurs rookie. We got 7 future All-Stars on our team and would have 8 if Primo didn't show his dick to everybody

9 don’t forget Barlow

[Atl Spur]

9 don’t forget Barlow

Well played…..