Grade: Devin Vassell Signs $135 Million Contract Extension with Spurs

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/devin-vassell-extension-grades/

Not bad, not bad. :tu

[heyheymymy]

there's a chance those last two years of the deal end up looking genius and a financial bargain

high hopes for Vassell

[buttsR4rebounding]

Since the 5th year isn’t an option year the contract may be flat at $27 million per year plus incentives. That would really make the out years tasty.

[John B]

Spurs liked what they saw in Devin this off-season and they locked him in for 5 years. It’s exciting to see why. I can’t wait.

[Mr. Body]

My guess is the injury concerns aren't high level and they're the reason why Zach will have to wait for an extension.

[Leetonidas]

What was the difference between this and a max extension for him? Or was this a max extension?

[Dex]

Does anyone know/remember exactly what the deal with his knee was? All the reports I can find simply list it as a "knee injury"

[exstatic]

Does anyone know/remember exactly what the deal with his knee was? All the reports I can find simply list it as a "knee injury"

Meniscus.

[Dex]

Meniscus.

Thanks, all things considered...could have been worse. Plenty of players have recovered from torn meniscus.

I actually had surgery on my meniscus late July and I'm almost back up to 100% two months later, just now getting back to athletic activities...but I'm obviously not playing NBA-level basketball :lol

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

What was the difference between this and a max extension for him? Or was this a max extension?

Bane's max extension is for $207 mil. He also got 15% trade kicker.

[Mr. Body]

Devin Vassell at 22 compared to OG Anunoby at 22, less efficient, more assists, fewer rebounds, bigger overall offensive threat, worse defender

https://stathead.com/basketball/versus-finder.cgi?request=1&seasons_type=perchoice&player_id1=vassede01&p1yrfrom=2023&p1yrto=2023&player_id2=anunoog01&p2yrfrom=2020&p2yrto=2020

[The Truth #6]

I'm curious to see if he's made improvements with the ball. His scoring moves were often 2-3 dribble moves that were impressive but difficult. He's put on mass so I guess just curious to see how his game has evolved.

[baseline bum]

EDIT: nm

[slick'81]

Gotta lock up the young cornerstone

[Excessive Egotist]

In my view, this is an 'A' deal because in its out years it won't be much higher than a MLE. Only takes 16% of cap now. By the final year, should only command 9-11% of the cap.

Has anyone confirmed that this is or is not a descending deal?

[rankingtear]

In my view, this is an 'A' deal because in its out years it won't be much higher than a MLE. Only takes 16% of cap now. By the final year, should only command 9-11% of the cap.

Has anyone confirmed that this is or is not a descending deal?

It is should not be descending, hurts the team more.

[Excessive Egotist]

Why do you believe a descending deal for DV hurts the team?

[spurraider21]

a descending 5 year deal would be outstanding for the club

[Leetonidas]

It is should not be descending, hurts the team more.

Huh???

[paperboy77]

Devin Vassell at 22 compared to OG Anunoby at 22, less efficient, more assists, fewer rebounds, bigger overall offensive threat, worse defender

https://stathead.com/basketball/versus-finder.cgi?request=1&seasons_type=perchoice&player_id1=vassede01&p1yrfrom=2023&p1yrto=2023&player_id2=anunoog01&p2yrfrom=2020&p2yrto=2020

Gotta mention 6/5 vs 6/7.

[Mr. Body]

Gotta mention 6/5 vs 6/7.

Just pointing out the similarities in production. One is clearly a SF the other is a SG. But Anunoby is consistently projected as worth multiple picks.

[Chucho]

Does any team in the league have a pair of 20 ppg scorers cheaper than the Spurs have?

I know they're not "Elite" scorers, but it's just more fuel to the excitement fire for this upcoming season. Some fans are expecting not much, but I just feel this team will take a bigger leap forward without Wemby, who is just gravy on top of everything else.

Regardless, fucking STOKED for this season.

[spurraider21]

Does any team in the league have a pair of 20 ppg scorers cheaper than the Spurs have?

I know they're not "Elite" scorers, but it's just more fuel to the excitement fire for this upcoming season. Some fans are expecting not much, but I just feel this team will take a bigger leap forward without Wemby, who is just gravy on top of everything else.

Regardless, fucking STOKED for this season.
utah with markkanen and clarkson comes to mind

[Mr. Body]

Does any team in the league have a pair of 20 ppg scorers cheaper than the Spurs have?

I know they're not "Elite" scorers, but it's just more fuel to the excitement fire for this upcoming season. Some fans are expecting not much, but I just feel this team will take a bigger leap forward without Wemby, who is just gravy on top of everything else.

Regardless, fucking STOKED for this season.

This team has more talent than too many people are willing to admit.

[John B]

Meniscus.

Mini Excuse for DNP :lol:lol

[Uriel]

Meanwhile, his Florida State teammate Patrick Williams, who was drafted #4 overall, is still waiting for his extension.

[heyheymymy]

Even if SA got 5 or 6 and took say Ausar, Jarace etc equivalent I would still be excited about the non Wembanyama core leveling up.

Vassell was showing tons of promise, Sochan exceeded expectations and seems like a quick learner, those two elevating their game would open things up for KJ more. Someone like Tre, Zach or Malaki could settle in.

Like someone above said, Victor is bonus gravy to an already progressing team.

Now we didn't have to pick 5 or 6, we got #1 so it feels like an embarrassment of riches and I bet even 20 games in you'll see Vic start clicking alongside the pre Wembanyama core which is also getting meteoric themselves and barring injuries this could be a surprisingly competitive season for the Spurs.

[Seventyniner]

I would be surprised if Vassell took a flat deal, and very surprised if he took a declining deal. iirc his next contract can only start a certain percentage above of the final year of this extension unless he gets some sort of designated max.

[spurraider21]

officially announced by the club

1709299237182148814

[spurraider21]

I would be surprised if Vassell took a flat deal, and very surprised if he took a declining deal. iirc his next contract can only start a certain percentage above of the final year of this extension unless he gets some sort of designated max.
its all part of the negotiation, different concessions made on either side

- length of deal
- average salary
- total guarantees
- how much of the $ is in the form of incentives (and of which variety? likely to be earned, or unlikely)
- salary structure (ascending, descending, flat, etc)
- trade kicker
- no trade clause
- ETO/team option/player option

its possible the spurs were insisting on a lower total amount, but relented to the current deal so long as the salary was structured in a way beneficial to them

obviously we wont know until we see the details, but i wouldnt necessarily rule it out

[spurraider21]

we need some internet sleuths to get to work and enhance the footage so we can see the exact terms and salary breakdown

1709309367835562100

https://media.tenor.com/fV0Az38AbVwAAAAC/enhance-super-troopers.gif

[KobesAchilles]

I know it sounds silly. But I hope to goodness that Vassell doesn’t lead the team in shots per game. Same with KJ. They don’t need to improve much. Just hit open shots and defend. Let Wemby cook. If Vassell is a little worse stats wise but better efficiency, then this is a win.

Also I am really looking forward to a Sochan/Wemby pick n roll. This might be an unstoppable combination with Vassell getting so many open looks.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I like it. Good signing. Spurs obviously see him as a major piece moving forward.

[spurraider21]

awesome. it is very team friendly in terms of structure, but he does get a bump back to 27 in the last season to protect him going into his next contract. plus all the bonuses being in the unlikely category is a huge W

1709338760456868146

[buttsR4rebounding]

The 4th year will be the year Wemby likely gets a Super Max deal. The cap hold, of course, will be much lower. Could be last chance to bring in a highly paid player. Could be the reason it wasn’t straight 27s as I suggested earlier.

[rankingtear]

Why do you believe a descending deal for DV hurts the team? The last year should not be too low for that 2nd extension.

[rankingtear]

Cap guy is doing work. More flat structure rise next off-season because bad free agent class and tons of teams with space. Dip when Wemby huge extension kicking in. Last year is more manageable for that extension.

[poopbox]

My guess is the injury concerns aren't high level and they're the reason why Zach will have to wait for an extension.

They were never a concern. They had to play it up because what was the alternative? Coming out and saying "we are trying to lose as much as possible and the only way we can is to not play Devin because he has taken quite a leap in his ability to make shots and if we actually play him a lot this year it impacts our chances of getting the number one pick" :rollin

You don't go from concerned about your knees to here is almost 150 million if you are actually concerned about the knees.

[Mr. Body]

They were never a concern. They had to play it up because what was the alternative? Coming out and saying "we are trying to lose as much as possible and the only way we can is to not play Devin because he has taken quite a leap in his ability to make shots and if we actually play him a lot this year it impacts our chances of getting the number one pick" :rollin

You don't go from concerned about your knees to here is almost 150 million if you are actually concerned about the knees.

Zach Collins, the guy who missed two years, doesn't have injury concerns? Okay, bro.

[poopbox]

I know it sounds silly. But I hope to goodness that Vassell doesn’t lead the team in shots per game. Same with KJ. They don’t need to improve much. Just hit open shots and defend. Let Wemby cook. If Vassell is a little worse stats wise but better efficiency, then this is a win.

Also I am really looking forward to a Sochan/Wemby pick n roll. This might be an unstoppable combination with Vassell getting so many open looks.


Devin actually does need to lead the team in FGA because he is by far our best offensive player. Most of Wemby impact is going to come on the defensive end and creating open shots early in his career, and Devin needs to be the person getting those open shots rather it's 3's or cutting to the basket. I'd go so far as to say if Devin is the leading scorer and taking the most shots for the spurs then they might actually be a play in team

[poopbox]

Zach Collins, the guy who missed two years, doesn't have injury concerns? Okay, bro.

I thought you were talking about Devin.

Who cares what the spurs do with Zach Collins. Centers and backup centers are a dime a dozen. The spurs should NOT at all be worried about how do we keep Zach Collins here.

[spurraider21]

there are more cap-knowledgeable people than me, but Vassell coming off a 27 mil salary in the last year of his deal would be eligible for an extension with a first year salary of 37.8mil, and with 8% increases, up to 5/222

or of course he could forego an extension and just be eligible for a regular max contract as a free agent in 29/30, up to 30% of whatever the cap is then

kinda silly to look at future extensions when he just inked a 5 year extension, but the salary manipulation there is intentional

[exstatic]

Zach Collins, the guy who missed two years, doesn't have injury concerns? Okay, bro.

It was one injury, and the first surgery, performed by the Blazers surgeon, was botched. Once he was connected with the Team USA surgeon, he had a second surgery, normal recovery, and hasn’t been injured since, or shown any recurrence of the original ankle thing.

[heyheymymy]

Damn brilliant structure.

Front load the 29, 27, 27 while the team is still salary flexible.

Love the year 4 carve out for additional franchise flexibility. Good thoughts that it may be built into Victor's super max. Feels like someone in FO has a longterm vision for sure.

Year 5 bookend should coincide with Vassell's best performance and most established development and the expanding cap so it may feel like a bargain with that context.

[itzsoweezee]

I guess I’m the one of the few Devin fans here. I think he’s going to be really good, like all-star level good. Wrapping him up for five years is a great deal.

[KobesAchilles]

Devin actually does need to lead the team in FGA because he is by far our best offensive player. Most of Wemby impact is going to come on the defensive end and creating open shots early in his career, and Devin needs to be the person getting those open shots rather it's 3's or cutting to the basket. I'd go so far as to say if Devin is the leading scorer and taking the most shots for the spurs then they might actually be a play in team
Eh I feel like Wemby should lead the team in shots. It could be close. But I don’t want to pigeonhole Wemby by saying he should mainly focus on defense. Our whole offense should center around him a good deal. If Wemby is anything like rookie Duncan, he is going to struggle with double teams. I’d rather him learn to pass as the main threat then as a secondary person not in rhythm. Get him touches early and often.

[spurraider21]

Eh I feel like Wemby should lead the team in shots. It could be close. But I don’t want to pigeonhole Wemby by saying he should mainly focus on defense. Our whole offense should center around him a good deal. If Wemby is anything like rookie Duncan, he is going to struggle with double teams. I’d rather him learn to pass as the main threat then as a secondary person not in rhythm. Get him touches early and often.
i see where he's coming from though.

offensively, i'd continue to assess what wemby can handle, and then keep adding to his plate as he continues to show he's able to handle it. i dont want him to go out there day 1 and try to do too much offensively to the point where he's forcing shots or dribbling into trouble. can start him off lighter as a "finisher"... pick and roll, pick and pop, dunker spot, transition, etc. and you kinda slowly start increasing his responsibility as you go without overdoing it

but defensively, you just turn him loose. at least for now, let him expend all his energy on that end. fly across the lane, defend aggressively in the perimeter, fly to the glass, etc. let him do that knowing he's not going to also be asked to do that and also exhaust himself on offense with too much responsibility. we know a wemby who exerts his energy on defense will yield good results. but offensively it could lead to ugliness

offensively, should be a balanced enough approach to the point where everybody will have the energy and will to fight on defense, including keldon/vassell who slouched on that end last year. who exactly ends up leading the team in shots isnt something that really concerns me, though right now Devin is by far the best iso scorer we have

[KobesAchilles]

i see where he's coming from though.

offensively, i'd continue to assess what wemby can handle, and then keep adding to his plate as he continues to show he's able to handle it. i dont want him to go out there day 1 and try to do too much offensively to the point where he's forcing shots or dribbling into trouble. can start him off lighter as a "finisher"... pick and roll, pick and pop, dunker spot, transition, etc. and you kinda slowly start increasing his responsibility as you go without overdoing it

but defensively, you just turn him loose. at least for now, let him expend all his energy on that end. fly across the lane, defend aggressively in the perimeter, fly to the glass, etc. let him do that knowing he's not going to also be asked to do that and also exhaust himself on offense with too much responsibility. we know a wemby who exerts his energy on defense will yield good results. but offensively it could lead to ugliness

offensively, should be a balanced enough approach to the point where everybody will have the energy and will to fight on defense, including keldon/vassell who slouched on that end last year. who exactly ends up leading the team in shots
isnt something that really concerns me, though right now Devin is by far the best iso scorer we have

I feel like y’all are underestimating Wemby though. I don’t think we should start him lightly at all. Get him the ball. Learn his spots. Where he likes to be posted up. Ofc get him open buckets in transition and as the finisher in the roll game. But he needs to have the ball in his hands often. He’s a walking mismatch. You take advantage of that as often as you can.

The dude has all the skills and tools to be an elite offensive player right away. Get him the rock.

[spurraider21]

I feel like y’all are underestimating Wemby though. I don’t think we should start him lightly at all. Get him the ball. Learn his spots. Where he likes to be posted up. Ofc get him open buckets in transition and as the finisher in the roll game. But he needs to have the ball in his hands often. He’s a walking mismatch. You take advantage of that as often as you can.

The dude has all the skills and tools to be an elite offensive player right away. Get him the rock.
i mean yeah, if he shows he can handle more, give him more. but he's also 19, will be adjusting to the nba. not just the competition level and different rules/game, but the 82 game schedule, the longer travel, the bigger media frenzy that we have here compared to france. going to be a lot going on for him.

[The Truth #6]

Devin can shoot the three and get his spots and shots in the midrange but I haven't seen him be a threat off the dribble as far as getting to the rim consistently. So I'm curious if he's added whole new elements to his game or improved on what he was already doing. Maybe his bulk is helping him back people down. It will all be interesting to see.

It's possible the next two years Devin will get the most touches he will ever get before Sochan and VW fully come into their own and take over the team. To me, Sochan will eventually be the second banana. He scores so easily and randomly and makes it seem natural, at least when he's on a roll, whereas before DV had to work hard to get his fadeaways to go down.

But we'll see.

[John B]

I know it sounds silly. But I hope to goodness that Vassell doesn’t lead the team in shots per game. Same with KJ. They don’t need to improve much. Just hit open shots and defend. Let Wemby cook. If Vassell is a little worse stats wise but better efficiency, then this is a win.

Also I am really looking forward to a Sochan/Wemby pick n roll. This might be an unstoppable combination with Vassell getting so many open looks.

On the contrary having Devin playing aggressive would take some pressure off Wemby and allow him for an easier transition. I expect Devin leading the offense and Wemby getting more and more as the season progresses.

[Bruno]

1709338760456868146

It looks like he is using a very low estimation of future cap to calculate "% of cap". If the new TV deal is as good as planed, Vassell's "% of cap" will be around 13% in his last two years.

Without trying to over-analyze it, I think you can draw two conclusions of it:

First, Spurs aren't looking to maximize cap space for next summer. Spurs could have saved as much $6M in cap space by structuring Vassell's contract differently. It doesn't necessarily mean Spurs won't go after a big FA this summer but it means they think they don't need to optimize their cap space to execute next summer plan.

Second, Spurs are damn high on Wembanyama. To me, the 4th year drop is about avoiding luxury tax when his extension will kick in. In 26/27, Wemby will earn $17M and a supermax extension will raise his 27-28 salary close to $60M. Spurs had him in their building practicing for 2 months and they are already structuring the team salary to fit his max extension in 4 years. It gives you an idea on how they view him.

[Bruno]

1709363497161646271

Vassel's stats bonuses are quite high but doable.

Offensively they want him not only to be a good 3 point shooter but also to go to the basket. I like that they use blocks as a defensive stat. Steals are such a bad stat to evaluate a player defensive quality.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Most of these bonuses will be very difficult for Vassell to hit. The only one he’s come close to is the blocks per 36 one. If he could earn any of these he’d have done damn well.

[exstatic]

Most of these bonuses will be very difficult for Vassell to hit. The only one he’s come close to is the blocks per 36 one. If he could earn any of these he’d have done damn well.

Hopefully, Wemby makes #4 pretty regular for him to collect on the back half of the deal.

[KobesAchilles]

i mean yeah, if he shows he can handle more, give him more. but he's also 19, will be adjusting to the nba. not just the competition level and different rules/game, but the 82 game schedule, the longer travel, the bigger media frenzy that we have here compared to france. going to be a lot going on for him.
It’s a lot to take on for sure. A new country, high expectations, new teammates and coach, living in a city far different than the one he grew up in. But I’m expecting Wemby to handle all of it.

I haven’t been this high on a rookie since Lebron.

As a side note, I don’t think Vassell has the capacity to be a number one option on a good team. He’s a fine shooter, can hit tough midrange shots, but his driving game is weak. He doesn’t get to the line very often and he isn’t really a creator for anybody else. He also has to work extremely hard for his shots.

I think Wemby opens up some better shots for Vassell. I can see him setting some good screens for him. But the reality is that Wemby can do way more on offense than Vassell can simply due to his size. His shot is unblockable. Who is going to stop a jump hook from Wemby? Or a turn around? His roll game should be elite (and will be even better when we get a real freaking starting PG). He’s going to get put backs and transition buckets. He’s going to have face up shots and post up shots, he’s going to pick n pop. And Pop is going to put him in the corner three as well. There’s just more you can do with Wemby than you can Devin.

I expect Devin to be 17 ppg on about 14 fga per game. I expect KJ to be about the same. And I expect Wemby to be right at 22 averaging about 18 fga. The faster, imo and I’m not as smart as Pop, we establish Wemby as the number one, the better I think it is for our team in the future

[tbdog]

I do fuck Wemby will be our number 1 unless his offensive game doesn't translate. I think he'll be hard to ref actually and I'm expecting a lot of under cutting.

[poopbox]

Devin can shoot the three and get his spots and shots in the midrange but I haven't seen him be a threat off the dribble as far as getting to the rim consistently. So I'm curious if he's added whole new elements to his game or improved on what he was already doing. Maybe his bulk is helping him back people down. It will all be interesting to see.

It's possible the next two years Devin will get the most touches he will ever get before Sochan and VW fully come into their own and take over the team. To me, Sochan will eventually be the second banana. He scores so easily and randomly and makes it seem natural, at least when he's on a roll, whereas before DV had to work hard to get his fadeaways to go down.


But we'll see.

Well he didn't get to the rim because he had a big giant Austrian pussy standing around it who was a threat to do absolutely nothing so any player on the spurs going to the rim is instantly having a 6 10 or taller human coming out the meet them at the freethrow line cause it aint like Poeltl was ever going to catch a lob. That will change with Wemby, who will be threat to actually dunk a basketball that someone passes to him. So Devin, and everyone else driving and inside scoring game, is going to see a sharp increase, simply due to the personnel change of replacing a big giant pussy with an actual young talented nba player.

[The Truth #6]

Well he didn't get to the rim because he had a big giant Austrian pussy standing around it who was a threat to do absolutely nothing so any player on the spurs going to the rim is instantly having a 6 10 or taller human coming out the meet them at the freethrow line cause it aint like Poeltl was ever going to catch a lob. That will change with Wemby, who will be threat to actually dunk a basketball that someone passes to him. So Devin, and everyone else driving and inside scoring game, is going to see a sharp increase, simply due to the personnel change of replacing a big giant pussy with an actual young talented nba player.



That could be a factor, sure, less vaginas near the rim, absolutely, but my comment is more about Devin's ability to actually get separation with his dribble starting on the perimeter.

[Cry Havoc]

Just pointing out the similarities in production. One is clearly a SF the other is a SG. But Anunoby is consistently projected as worth multiple picks.

Anunoby is already on a 19mil/year deal. His reup is going to make DV's contract look like a Dickensian street urchin's. Okay :lol it won't be that bad but OG is about to get a 230+ million dollar bag and I'm not entirely sure he's worth it as a player who's yet to post a PER of 15. Meanwhile Vassell's PER last year was 15.5. Dude is a huge asset and great get for the Spurs, and that contract won't hurt us with the new cap in a few years.

[Cry Havoc]

Does any team in the league have a pair of 20 ppg scorers cheaper than the Spurs have?

I know they're not "Elite" scorers, but it's just more fuel to the excitement fire for this upcoming season. Some fans are expecting not much, but I just feel this team will take a bigger leap forward without Wemby, who is just gravy on top of everything else.

Regardless, fucking STOKED for this season.

It wouldn't shock me to see the Spurs make a run at a near 500 record this season. I think 38-46 is absolutely within reach of this team and next year it'll vault them into mid range contender status in the West, somewhere in the 4-7 seed range with all the potential in the world in the next 2-5 years.

[Mr. Body]

It wouldn't shock me to see the Spurs make a run at a near 500 record this season. I think 38-46 is absolutely within reach of this team and next year it'll vault them into mid range contender status in the West, somewhere in the 4-7 seed range with all the potential in the world in the next 2-5 years.

I'm with you brother. I think the Spurs improve by sixteen games or so and too many people will be shocked. Even if they're on the low end, in the next years they're going to be rising while a lot of teams in the West will be catering. There are four playoff teams in the West this past year who will be dunzo in Warriors, Suns, Lakers, and Clippers.

[Cry Havoc]

I'm with you brother. I think the Spurs improve by sixteen games or so and too many people will be shocked. Even if they're on the low end, in the next years they're going to be rising while a lot of teams in the West will be catering. There are four playoff teams in the West this past year who will be dunzo in Warriors, Suns, Lakers, and Clippers.

Dunno about the Dubs, they seem to have a pretty solid organization there. Clippers Lakers and Suns are going to flatline though and it'll be glorious for all involved. xD

[Mr. Body]

Dunno about the Dubs, they seem to have a pretty solid organization there. Clippers Lakers and Suns are going to flatline though and it'll be glorious for all involved. xD

The Warriors' great org isn't there anymore and their core is decaying. Maybe they make good decisions, but they could be floundering for a while. Once Curry slows down, they won't be relevant for the rest of the decade. They had a chance to get good youth with three lotto picks, two of them very high, and utterly blew it.

[CGD]

I find it helpful that they’re now breaking these salary figures down by % of the cap. These new cap projections are so dizzying that I don’t know what to make of them. 17% of cap for Dev as Vic is coming into his own seems damn good.

[spurraider21]

I find it helpful that they’re now breaking these salary figures down by % of the cap. These new cap projections are so dizzying that I don’t know what to make of them. 17% of cap for Dev as Vic is coming into his own seems damn good.
and those are based on estimates of what the cap will be in future years, and they dont appear to be very ambitious estimates

[CGD]

^ makes Keldon’s deal that much better

[JPB]

5-most-intriguing-nba-players-2023-24


https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/38548025/zach-lowe-5-most-intriguing-nba-players-2023-24

Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs

It's already easy to picture Vassell fitting into a Victor Wembanyama-centered team as an elite 3-and-D player. The intrigue lies in how good Vassell can get at the core skills of that role, and whether he can stretch the boundaries of it -- becoming the 3-and-D type who can work as a secondary ball handler in playoff-level games.

In inking Vassell to a five-year, $146 million extension, the Spurs made an emphatic bet on Vassell becoming that sort of well-rounded two-way wing. "San Antonio is home," Vassell told ESPN about a week before signing the deal. "I love it here. Getting feedback from Pop [Spurs coach Gregg Popovich] is huge. It's a great culture."

Vassell was watching the NBA draft lottery at his house. "There was such an excitement," he said. "Victor is gonna help us out right away. We have more national [TV games], which means more chances to put everyone on notice."



Vassell drew little national attention even as he bumped his scoring average by six full points -- to 18.5 per game. His catch-and-shoot 3 is proven; Vassell hit 40% on such shots over the past two seasons combined -- including a sizzling 43% last season. (He appeared in only 38 games before undergoing knee surgery midseason; Vassell said his knee was sore during most of those games.)

He tripled his pick-and-roll volume -- from about 7 per 100 possessions to nearly 23, per Second Spectrum -- and managed well on a rebuilding team. He defaults to his pet midrange shot, though that's not a major problem; Vassell hit a tidy 47% on long 2s, and that's an important tool for him and Spurs late in the shot clock. (He has a high release that is tough to disrupt, and can move the ball to either side of his head in mid-air to find a clear line to the rim.)

Still, some early-clock mid-rangers come at the expense of more profitable stuff -- rim attacks, pocket passes, pull-up 3s when Vassell's man gets caught on picks.

Vassell attempted only 20 pull-up 3s all season. He didn't get to the rim or the line much. He vowed to do more of all of that this season. "I'm going to go up and test some big men," Vassell said. "I'm trying to catch more bodies."

He showed flashes of a more nuanced paint game -- changing pace, keeping his dribble alive, fooling defenders with eye fakes and shoulder shakes:

He thrived sling-shotting into sideline handoffs -- after an initial action had bent the defense:

It's easy to say Vassell won't get to control the offense so often on a winning team. Maybe so. But the best teams have lots of secondary handlers capable of keeping the offense moving on plays exactly like that handoff. Improving on those also bodes well for Vassell's catch-and-go driving game -- the bread-and-butter of any 3-and-D wing. Tre Jones -- San Antonio's starting point guard -- has made huge strides, but he's still more of a game manager; the Spurs need dynamic ball handling.

"I have a big opportunity," Vassell said. "There's definitely more to my game than just 3-and-D."

Vassell averaged 3.6 dimes last season, easily a career high, but he has to level up as a playmaker. He often carves deep into the paint with eyes on the rim, only to change course at the last second and heave lollipop bailouts -- soft, high passes the defense can track in flight. He leaves pocket passes on the table.

In fairness, the Spurs' spacing last season was cramped. Passing lanes were tight, and closed fast. Vassell did not have a rolling threat anything like what Wembanyama could be. "Having a screener like that -- it's gonna change everything," Vassell said.

The "D" part of the Vassell 3-and-D equation has lagged behind expectations -- typical of young players with ambitions of scoring. Vassell is slithery, with a 6-10 wingspan, and has the look of someone who can switch from point guards to power forwards. In some matchups, he can. But bigger wings have bullied him some. Vassell's attention to detail can wane. He's a so-so rebounder.

But the tools are there. Vassell has also put on weight -- he said he's up to 205 pounds -- with an eye on becoming a more versatile defender.

He should get there. If the right parts of his game pop, Vassell could be a core starter on the next great San Antonio team.

[exstatic]

Dunno about the Dubs, they seem to have a pretty solid organization there. Clippers Lakers and Suns are going to flatline though and it'll be glorious for all involved. xD

They are old and made two catastrophic lottery picks in Wiseman and Kuminga. They could have picked Lamelo, or frankly Vassell, and Franz Wagner.

[poopbox]

I'm with you brother. I think the Spurs improve by sixteen games or so and too many people will be shocked. Even if they're on the low end, in the next years they're going to be rising while a lot of teams in the West will be catering. There are four playoff teams in the West this past year who will be dunzo in Warriors, Suns, Lakers, and Clippers.

The problem with this is that all the teams that have been tanking lately are not trying to tank anymore.

OKC is trying to make the playoffs now.
Rockets literally signed a new team and new coaching staff. They not trying to tank anymore.
Orlando has to show some growth or they coaching staff on the hot seat. THey not trying to tank now.
Detroit signed Monty and he don't do that tanking shit. They trying to win now.
The mavs do not have an incentive to be bad and screw the knicks out of a 1st round pick. They trying to win now.
Indiana cashed out Haliburton. Nobody is going to be tanking while paying someone that kind of money.

Lol I say that and the Hornets cashed out Lamelo and they will absolutely try to tank if thinks start off slow to keep they pick.
Portland will try to tank for obvious reasons.

So I mean yeah, Hornets and Blazers might try to be bad. But the Wemby sweepstakes are over. The Spurs won it. For mostly everyone else, back to your regularly scheduled program.

What western conference team are the spurs better than, than maybe Portland? Who are the 3 or 4 western conference team we will play 4 times and we can say yep pencil at least 2 wins against them easy?

[ismael-robert]

I'm liking the parity in nba now. The plan they put in place with cbas is working n most teams have multiple potential all stars n u can't really take any nights off...even without new rest rules

[Mr. Body]

The problem with this is that all the teams that have been tanking lately are not trying to tank anymore.

OKC is trying to make the playoffs now.
Rockets literally signed a new team and new coaching staff. They not trying to tank anymore.
Orlando has to show some growth or they coaching staff on the hot seat. THey not trying to tank now.
Detroit signed Monty and he don't do that tanking shit. They trying to win now.
The mavs do not have an incentive to be bad and screw the knicks out of a 1st round pick. They trying to win now.
Indiana cashed out Haliburton. Nobody is going to be tanking while paying someone that kind of money.

Lol I say that and the Hornets cashed out Lamelo and they will absolutely try to tank if thinks start off slow to keep they pick.
Portland will try to tank for obvious reasons.

So I mean yeah, Hornets and Blazers might try to be bad. But the Wemby sweepstakes are over. The Spurs won it. For mostly everyone else, back to your regularly scheduled program.

What western conference team are the spurs better than, than maybe Portland? Who are the 3 or 4 western conference team we will play 4 times and we can say yep pencil at least 2 wins against them easy?

I really don't know how many times I have to answer the question of how many teams I think the Spurs can be better than in the WC this year. Let's say I think they can make the playoffs, okay?

As for the rest, I don't really care about the EC right now. Orlando looks pretty nice, but I don't know if they have the horses to become a contender. We'll see. Detroit? Whatever. I never expect much from Indiana.

The only team I see as a contendor among those is OKC. I've called them a top 3 team in the West this year. Houston is probably going to be pretty bad once again this year. It's a mess of a roster.

[MultiTroll]

Lakers are going to flatline though and it'll be glorious for all involved. xD
Lakers bread and butter has and always will be
1. Scam trades
2. Entertainment industry promises.

Mixed in with some solid draft picks, lets give them their due.

As long as the last name Buss is ownership, the scams will continue. Now as the weakening of Hollywood, sure it's going down hill. But still very powerful.
See Snaq Oneal wanting to become a rap fool.
Lebron bombing with that movie. Regardless, got em both the Smell-A.

Would not count out some future Laker stuff. They aint getting Wemby tho. Never.

[poopbox]

I really don't know how many times I have to answer the question of how many teams I think the Spurs can be better than in the WC this year. Let's say I think they can make the playoffs, okay?

As for the rest, I don't really care about the EC right now. Orlando looks pretty nice, but I don't know if they have the horses to become a contender. We'll see. Detroit? Whatever. I never expect much from Indiana.

The only team I see as a contendor among those is OKC. I've called them a top 3 team in the West this year. Houston is probably going to be pretty bad once again this year. It's a mess of a roster.

Well you should care about the east. Because you play each eastern conference team twice. That's 30 games. Lose to many of those games...now you got to beat the Lakers 3 out of 3 times. Beat the clippers 3 out of 4 times. Beat the Nuggets 3 out of 4 times, to make up the difference. So if you think the spurs can actually make the playoffs, then yeah, the eastern conference is critical. It's critical that between the pistons, hornets, wizards, and magic the spurs go probably AT LEAST 6 - 2

As far as the Rockets, they got multiple veteran players who have played in the playoffs, they didn't have to sacrifice any of their young lottery talent to get said veterans, and got a coach who literally made the nba finals his first time being a head coach. I think the rockets are going to be much improved.

[Mr. Body]

Well you should care about the east. Because you play each eastern conference team twice. That's 30 games. Lose to many of those games...now you got to beat the Lakers 3 out of 3 times. Beat the clippers 3 out of 4 times. Beat the Nuggets 3 out of 4 times, to make up the difference. So if you think the spurs can actually make the playoffs, then yeah, the eastern conference is critical. It's critical that between the pistons, hornets, wizards, and magic the spurs go probably AT LEAST 6 - 2

The conversation is about the western conference. I'm sticking to the subject.

[Ariel]

They are old and made two catastrophic lottery picks in Wiseman and Kuminga. They could have picked Lamelo, or frankly Vassell, and Franz Wagner.
Wiseman over Lamelo, Haliburton or Vassell
Kuminga over Franz Wagner
Moody over Sengun or Trey Murphy.
They f*cked up their dynasty with those 3 picks.
Oh, I also hate the Podziemski pick, but it's not trendy to say so.

[Mr. Body]

Imagine GSW with Haliburton and Wagner.

Now they got a WNBA franchise Lacob us claiming they're going to win a championship in five years. Something is really wrong with them.

[scott]

Wiseman over Lamelo, Haliburton or Vassell
Kuminga over Franz Wagner
Moody over Sengun or Trey Murphy.
They f*cked up their dynasty with those 3 picks.
Oh, I also hate the Podziemski pick, but it's not trendy to say so.

To be fair on the Wiseman pick - wasn't everyone pretty high on him? Didn't everyone want us to make some hypothetical trade of LMA and our pick to move up and get Wiseman?

[Mr. Body]

To be fair on the Wiseman pick - wasn't everyone pretty high on him? Didn't everyone want us to make some hypothetical trade of LMA and our pick to move up and get Wiseman?

No, a lot of people had real questions about him. He was hyped beyond regard however.

The story is the actual basketball minds at GS didn't want him but were overruled by the owner and his failson.

[exstatic]

No, a lot of people had real questions about him. He was hyped beyond regard however.

The story is the actual basketball minds at GS didn't want him but were overruled by the owner and his failson.

He played like 6 games at Memphis, so he was essentially a HS player. I think their GMmleft because he kept getting overruled on these awful picks.

[Cry Havoc]

No, a lot of people had real questions about him. He was hyped beyond regard however.

The story is the actual basketball minds at GS didn't want him but were overruled by the owner and his failson.

Sure but there are tons of players with downsides in any draft. Almost no one is a sure thing.

In a typical first round draft there are only a few guys who will see minutes long term outside of the top 5 and even fewer are going to be starters. 2nd round is barely worth anything aside from the ultra rare gem.

If missing picks being proof of incompetence is the standard you're holding teams to, then everyone fails. Spurs suck. Miami sucks. Boston is garbage. FFS almost every team had a shot at Jokic and passed on him. Everyone misses future all-stars, if they didn't they'd win 3-4 titles every 10 years.

[Mr. Body]

Sure but there are tons of players with downsides in any draft. Almost no one is a sure thing.

In a typical first round draft there are only a few guys who will see minutes long term outside of the top 5 and even fewer are going to be starters. 2nd round is barely worth anything aside from the ultra rare gem.

If missing picks being proof of incompetence is the standard you're holding teams to, then everyone fails. Spurs suck. Miami sucks. Boston is garbage. FFS almost every team had a shot at Jokic and passed on him. Everyone misses future all-stars, if they didn't they'd win 3-4 titles every 10 years.

Well, like we've been saying, the Warriors missed on two high lotto picks and one late lotto pick. Those were their hopes to revitalize the franchise longterm. They fucked up. You can handwave it all you want.

As for Wiseman, the dude hid himself away after playing a handful of games. To me, and any rational person, that was the reddest of red flags. I mean, a red flag shot up an infinitely tall flagpole for me. Again, it's easy to handwave stupid decisions, but acknowledge the stories that the Warriors brain trust did not want him but were overruled. I cannot help it if people believe ESPN and that bullshit. I knew I wouldn't want Wiseman. I want credit for that. Others deserve credit for that. It seemed a pretty obvious decision (not picking him) that turned out to be right. I don't appreciate the attempts to wipe it away.

[Maddog]

In an annual piece (ESPN+ link), ESPN’s Zach Lowe put together his list of five intriguing players to watch out for in the 2023/24 season. Lowe avoids superstars, rookies and second-year players for the most part in his rankings. LaMelo Ball, Devin Vassell, Josh Giddey, Ayton and Immanuel Quickley are the five names Lowe selects to watch out for, with each having a chance to take their respective teams to the next level.

[JPB]

In an annual piece (ESPN+ link), ESPN’s Zach Lowe put together his list of five intriguing players to watch out for in the 2023/24 season. Lowe avoids superstars, rookies and second-year players for the most part in his rankings. LaMelo Ball, Devin Vassell, Josh Giddey, Ayton and Immanuel Quickley are the five names Lowe selects to watch out for, with each having a chance to take their respective teams to the next level.

You can read the full piece on Devin page 3.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Quickley was who I was hoping the Spurs would try to trade for. The way he ended the season looks like he is definitely ready for that "next level".

[Mr. Body]

Quickley was who I was hoping the Spurs would try to trade for. The way he ended the season looks like he is definitely ready for that "next level".

The guy they weren't trading?

[Cry Havoc]

Well, like we've been saying, the Warriors missed on two high lotto picks and one late lotto pick. Those were their hopes to revitalize the franchise longterm. They fucked up. You can handwave it all you want.

As for Wiseman, the dude hid himself away after playing a handful of games. To me, and any rational person, that was the reddest of red flags. I mean, a red flag shot up an infinitely tall flagpole for me. Again, it's easy to handwave stupid decisions, but acknowledge the stories that the Warriors brain trust did not want him but were overruled. I cannot help it if people believe ESPN and that bullshit. I knew I wouldn't want Wiseman. I want credit for that. Others deserve credit for that. It seemed a pretty obvious decision (not picking him) that turned out to be right. I don't appreciate the attempts to wipe it away.

Nearly every player in the past 20 years of the draft has had red flags aside from LeBron. There are people who are low on Wemby because they say his body won't translate. You can't seriously claim there are teams out there who never whiff on potential rebuilding picks when the entire league passed on Joker. That's the nature of scouting. Missing a year or two of good draft picks, even lottery level players, is far less important than putting a good machine in place that can accelerate and increase player potential. If you play the "what-if" game then no team is ever going to win a title by drafting well except for the ones that succeed on pure luck, and I would give scouts just a bit more credit than that. I think the warriors winning culture is much stronger than most teams.


. I want credit for that. Others deserve credit for that. It seemed a pretty obvious decision (not picking him) that turned out to be right. I don't appreciate the attempts to wipe it away.

You want credit for making a single call about one player when over 90% of players in a given draft end up being busts, and >95% outside of the lottery? I mean, congrats? That's like me pointing at a random baseball player in a draft and saying "I bet he never throws a 102mph fastball."

The null hypothesis is always easier to make a call on with nba draft picks because teams are so small and so few players make it in the league, even the majority of lottery players never amount to being stars. It's way harder to make a call on a 16th pick in a draft and proclaiming him as a future starter/all-star. The I'm sorry you're upset that I don't put you on equal footing with people who make millions of dollars evaluating players. :lol

[Mr. Body]

Nearly every player in the past 20 years of the draft has had red flags aside from LeBron. There are people who are low on Wemby because they say his body won't translate. You can't seriously claim there are teams out there who never whiff on potential rebuilding picks when the entire league passed on Joker. That's the nature of scouting. Missing a year or two of good draft picks, even lottery level players, is far less important than putting a good machine in place that can accelerate and increase player potential. If you play the "what-if" game then no team is ever going to win a title by drafting well except for the ones that succeed on pure luck, and I would give scouts just a bit more credit than that. I think the warriors winning culture is much stronger than most teams.



You want credit for making a single call about one player when over 90% of players in a given draft end up being busts, and >95% outside of the lottery? I mean, congrats? That's like me pointing at a random baseball player in a draft and saying "I bet he never throws a 102mph fastball."

The null hypothesis is always easier to make a call on with nba draft picks because teams are so small and so few players make it in the league, even the majority of lottery players never amount to being stars. It's way harder to make a call on a 16th pick in a draft and proclaiming him as a future starter/all-star. The I'm sorry you're upset that I don't put you on equal footing with people who make millions of dollars evaluating players. :lol

Bruh not everyone was in love with Wiseman as you were.

[Cry Havoc]

Bruh not everyone was in love with Wiseman as you were.

Beautiful strawman, Champ. Not everyone needs other people to clap and cheer for them because they were right about one draft pick. :lol some of us have been there before. Your little ego needing to be assauged is so cute though.

[exstatic]

Nearly every player in the past 20 years of the draft has had red flags aside from LeBron. There are people who are low on Wemby because they say his body won't translate. You can't seriously claim there are teams out there who never whiff on potential rebuilding picks when the entire league passed on Joker. That's the nature of scouting. Missing a year or two of good draft picks, even lottery level players, is far less important than putting a good machine in place that can accelerate and increase player potential. If you play the "what-if" game then no team is ever going to win a title by drafting well except for the ones that succeed on pure luck, and I would give scouts just a bit more credit than that. I think the warriors winning culture is much stronger than most teams.



You want credit for making a single call about one player when over 90% of players in a given draft end up being busts, and >95% outside of the lottery? I mean, congrats? That's like me pointing at a random baseball player in a draft and saying "I bet he never throws a 102mph fastball."

The null hypothesis is always easier to make a call on with nba draft picks because teams are so small and so few players make it in the league, even the majority of lottery players never amount to being stars. It's way harder to make a call on a 16th pick in a draft and proclaiming him as a future starter/all-star. The I'm sorry you're upset that I don't put you on equal footing with people who make millions of dollars evaluating players. :lol

To whiff on 3 consecutive lottery picks, two of them high ones, is beyond normal odds, way beyond.

[Mr. Body]

Beautiful strawman, Champ. Not everyone needs other people to clap and cheer for them because they were right about one draft pick. :lol some of us have been there before. Your little ego needing to be assauged is so cute though.

And, no, lmao, Lebron James did not have "red flags." Learn your terms, sporto.

And... you know what the reddest of red flags is for me? Not wanting to play basketball.

[Cry Havoc]

And, no, lmao, Lebron James did not have "red flags." Learn your terms, sporto.

And... you know what the reddest of red flags is for me? Not wanting to play basketball.


Nearly every player in the past 20 years of the draft has had red flags aside from LeBron.


Oof, a big word like "aside" flushed your reading comprehension down the toilet, eh Champ?

[jesterbobman]

Perfectly fine deal. I think my default guess was about 150m / 5 years (full guarantee) so this is a positive (though, Devin is the type of player I think I tend to overvalue, especially if he doesn't make the jump to being a consistent creator).

Devin's closest comp coming into the draft (and, other than Devin seemingly not giving a shit last year defensively for...reasons) a good comp is Mikal Bridges. I don't think the kind of jump Mikal had going to the Nets is likely, though that's the kind of upside you're looking for of taking on more usage and being a pretty good 1B (Mikal was 1A, but I don't think he's a good enough primary option to be the #1 on a title contender). That's the kind of upside you're looking for, and that's probably worth close to 25% of the cap if he's the kind of useful off ball defender he's looked like. Something like that Mikal / Middleton is in play. That's a clear, clear win.

The most likely is probably improvement, though steady at around 18 - 20 ppg on mildly positive efficiency, some increase in playmaking value and off the bounce isolation juice to take advantage of poor defenders, and more effort defensively. Something like a souped-up KCP. That's probably still value on his deal, given the % of the cap and the need for those types of players. Not a huge win in team building to have a minor positive, but still a good deal - and getting a good deal on a non rookie / non max deal is a good achievement.

If the cap doesn't go up as anticipated, it's a little risky and probably becomes an overpay - though that seems very unlikely. Advertisers need live events so people can't skip adds, price for the rights goes up. Can't see that changing. The other overpay is if his injury is more serious, and a lack of knee strength / confidence limits him defensively and he can't cover as well. I don't think the Spurs would've busted out this amount in negotiations if they were uncomfortable.