This week, ESPN launched its listing of the highest 100 NBA gamers. The San Antonio Spurs had three gamers within the high 50: Dylan Harper (50), De’Aaron Fox (43), and Stephon Fortress (38). It’s secure to imagine that Victor Wembanyama can be within the high 1o, revealed later this week.
One participant was notably lacking from the rankings: Devin Vassell. Regardless of beginning on an NBA Finals workforce, averaging 13.9 factors whereas taking pictures 38.4% from three within the common season, and making large strides on the defensive finish within the playoffs, Vassell was left utterly off the listing. Even Carter Bryant received a point out as a participant who will in all probability be on the listing subsequent 12 months.
Now ESPN is only one of many websites rating NBA gamers, and is among the solely ones to not embody Vassell (The Ringer has him at 65). Perhaps that is an editorial oversight? If not, it’s one of many greatest snubs of this 12 months.
Notable gamers who made the listing over Vassell embody: Lu Dort, rookie Caleb Wilson, Peyton Watson, Donovan Clingan, Coby White, and Fred VanVleet (who didn’t play a recreation final season). Dort is a selected head-scratcher, as he couldn’t keep on the court docket within the playoffs as his leap shot deserted him and his protection did not make a game-changing affect. Dort averaged 8.3 factors whereas taking pictures 34.4% from three final season.
To validate upset Spurs followers in regards to the snub on ESPN’s listing: sure, Devin Vassell is undoubtedly a top-100 NBA participant. He’s in all probability someplace within the 70s to 80s. His mixture of taking pictures, dimension, shot creation, and budding protection makes him one of many league’s extra thrilling glue guys.
Subsequent 12 months is an enormous season for Vassell, although. The Spurs could have numerous consideration on them after their Finals run final season. With gamers like Harper, Tobias Harris, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson all combating for minutes, this can be probably the most aggressive seasons San Antonio has skilled in fairly a while, each externally and internally.
Vassell can be essential to San Antonio making it again to the Finals in 2027. He’s one of many few gamers on the Spurs roster who can each shoot from deep and reliably put the ball on the deck and create his personal shot. He’s the workforce’s finest pull-up leap shooter. If he can keep the extent of defensive depth he confirmed within the playoffs, this workforce may soar to new heights within the common season.
One factor that might drive him to get there may be the sensation of being underestimated. The Spurs want an edge this season after arising brief final 12 months. Vassell taking part in with a chip on his shoulder is simply going to make the workforce higher. In the long run, being left off the ESPN high 100 could possibly be an excellent factor.
