Not way back, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson have been the Spurs’ greatest gamers. The crew was terrible throughout that season, however the two homegrown abilities put up numbers and seemed like younger up-and-comers. Each received long-term offers and gave the impression to be a part of the core.
How shortly issues change within the NBA. The arrival of Victor Wembanyama within the draft and De’Aaron Fox by way of commerce utterly altered the crew’s hierarchy. It was the plan all alongside to convey guys who have been higher than those who presided over tanking seasons, however it’s nonetheless shocking how shortly Johnson and Vassell went from lynchpins to now getting into make-or-break seasons.
To say that the 2 younger veterans are enjoying for his or her NBA future could be an overstatement, however this 12 months might decide how vital a task they’ll play in San Antonio’s subsequent nice crew or whether or not they’re potential commerce items. The Spurs ought to hope that they thrive as a result of their season may very well be way more profitable in the event that they do.
Johnson and Vassell are vastly completely different gamers, however the very best model of each may very well be massively useful for the 2025/26 Spurs. Johnson, the longest tenured participant on the crew and a gold medalist with Workforce USA, noticed the ups and downs of the pre-Wemby period and tailored to any position requested of him, from bit participant who discovered a spot within the rotation on the bubble, to offensive centerpiece when the crew stripped issues down, and now to sixth-man duties. He’s clearly revered by his teammates and the teaching employees and entrance workplace. For a franchise that values continuity and a team-first angle, Johnson is effective even when he’s not on the ground.
As a participant, the match just isn’t as seamless, however not horrible, both. The Spurs want wing shooters. Johnson just isn’t probably the most dependable at it, however he shot 40 p.c from exterior on nearly 400 makes an attempt three years in the past, which reveals that he could make threes. The 30 p.c he shot on catch-and-shoot alternatives final season appears to be an aberration, as he shot 35 p.c on increased on these seems on the prior three years. Johnson can be good off-ball as a result of he’s a great scorer on drives who thrives when he can catch the ball already in movement. In a smaller position subsequent to creators, he might have an environment friendly scoring season.
Vassell might equally discover a great position by getting much less accountability. He has a lethal jumper and improved massively as a finisher 12 months over 12 months, however he all the time appeared higher suited to be a 3rd choice slightly than an offensive engine. With Wembanyama and Fox in tow, he might settle in as a ground spacer who presents shot creation in a pinch and might take over an even bigger offensive load with bench items. His protection perked up late final season, and if saving power on the opposite finish permits him to reside as much as his potential as a disruptive crew defender, he may very well be precisely the kind of participant that helps spherical out the beginning lineup and different shooting-starved items.
He additionally represents the very best alternative for the Spurs to have a 3rd linchpin for a lot lower than the max within the quick time period. Vassell signed an onerous however affordable extension that options incentives like ending high 15 within the league in three-pointers made or making an All-NBA crew. These are thought of unlikely for good purpose, but when he reaches these heights, San Antonio ought to be glad to pay a bit of extra for the right third piece that will permit them to discipline a aggressive crew with out having so as to add one other star on a large contract by way of free company or commerce whereas they anticipate Stephon Citadel or Dylan Harper to get to that degree.
Johnson’s management and off-ball ferocity, Vassell’s firepower and untapped potential. It might all come collectively for these two this upcoming season, as they enhance individually and discover their very best place within the rotation, serving to the Spurs flip heads. It’s doable. Alas, it’s additionally not out of the query that previous points rear their heads once more, and two guys who’ve been in San Antonio for some time discover themselves in commerce rumors.
Johnson’s improvement stagnated way back, and solely a dependable exterior shot or newfound defensive competence can flip him right into a well-rounded participant. If the shot doesn’t fall, or it falls at round league common, it may very well be onerous to justify holding him long-term. A leap on protection would assist his case, however it appears unlikely. As for Vassell, his capability to mix in generally turns into an issue as a result of his tendency to defer can result in stretches of low affect. His well being and depth of protection are additionally query marks at this level.
Anybody who has watched the Spurs up to now few years is aware of the issues of each gamers. Whereas it appears pointless to dwell on them, it’s crucial to maintain them in thoughts. If they’ll overcome them, both by settling into roles that spotlight their strengths or by bettering upon their weaknesses, San Antonio might shock subsequent season. Vassell and Johnson are arguably the 2 swing gamers for the Silver and Black within the quick time period, as a result of their expertise and the crew’s want for a three-level scorer and a two-way backup ahead with vary.
Rebuilds typically attain some extent at which homegrown gamers who have been as soon as vital early on discover themselves dropping their standing as core guys, as their match with stars turns into questionable or their shortcomings get onerous to masks. Typically transferring on works — the Thunder and Josh Giddey are prime examples — however it may be painful to let go. Hopefully, Johnson and Vassell will present their greatest model of themselves and sidestep the destiny many in the same circumstance couldn’t keep away from.
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