The stance I often take is the one of high probability based on trends, actions, and words spoken.
The question of if Vassell should be a long term Spur or if the Spurs should sell high therefore depends on what actions the Spurs have done to show Vassell’s value on the team, how Vassell is trending up or down as far as his role on the team, and what has Spurs’ leadership (mainly Pop) said about Vassell.
1) what have the Spurs done
—they gave him a big contract. Now do the Spurs immediately ship players they commit big money to? Sure they do. They did it with Murray, but that was an entirely different situation when the team didnt have a foundation piece in Wemby. So i’ll give this a 50/50.
2) Vassell’s role on the team
—he’s given the keys in the offense in the clutch. There are plays with him and Victor that they have drawn up that shows there are efforts to feature him as the 1B on offense to Victor’s 1A. So this is in favor of Vassell.
3) Words about Vassel
—Pop constantly says that they’re trying to build a one two punch combo consisting of Vassell and Wemby. He is really viewing Vassell as the Robin to Wemby’s Batman. I think they will continue to until Vassell stagnates next season or drops off. This season can’t really be viewed as a failure for Vassell, since overall performance-wise, he has shown improvement. This is in favor of Vassel.
in summary, I don’t think the book is closed on Vassell to where the Spurs will want to sell high on him. There have been no indication that the Spurs are disappointed in his overall performance. An example of disappointment would be how Keldon was relegated to the bench. If Vassell’s flaws become severe enough to where Pop starts benching him or reducing his role, then that’s when I agree that his time is almost up. Until then, the Spurs probably believe his performances in the clutch will develop and improve over time.