The San Antonio Spurs have enjoyed just one game this season with De’Aaron Fox in the lineup, and already his additions are apparent.
Not only does he provide a scoring and playmaking burst, but he adds confidence, defensive discipline, and a clutch gene that San Antonio hasn’t really had in several seasons.
The Spurs went 6-2 without him, which is impressive. No one would doubt that he is the second-best player on the roster, behind Victor Wembanyama.
Wemby, of course, benefits greatly from Fox. So does Stephon Castle, who thrives off-ball. Fox creates open looks from deep for Harrison Barnes and can find a cutting Jeremy Sochan, but no one has more to gain from him getting healthy than Devin Vassell.
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – NOVEMBER 7: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after hitting a three and getting fouled against the Houston Rockets in an NBA Cup game in the first half at Frost Bank Center on November 7, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs’ Shooting Guard Thrives With Fox
One game is a small sample size. However, in the Spurs’ 126-119 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in Fox’s season debut, Vassell couldn’t be stopped.
He posted 16 points, making half of his attempts from deep, and finished with the highest plus/minus of any player on the Spurs.
Only one of Fox’s three assists in the game was to Vassell, although the two thrive when they share the court. They outscored the Pelicans by 40.9 points per 100 possessions when they share the floor, the highest mark of any two-man lineup on the Spurs this year.
Last season, Vassell and Fox were at -6.0 points per 100 possessions, which doesn’t sound great. However, the Spurs as a whole averaged -3.0 points per 100, so that mark isn’t as bad as its face value.
The Spurs shoot 28.8% better than their opponents when Fox and Vassell share the floor. Part of that is thanks to the fact that either Barnes or Julian Champagnie is out there alongside them. Another part is their lockdown perimeter defense. It’s hard to score over either Fox or Vassell, especially from deep, and they successfully limit opponents’ shots.
As the Spurs get healthy and continue to win, Wembanyama and Fox will certainly receive their flowers, although Vassell is poised for a great year.
Devin Vassell is Ready for a Career Year
Vassell, aside from two early seasons with Dejounte Murray, hasn’t played with a star point guard. Without Fox this season, he has averaged 14.8 points on 34.8% shooting from deep.
Those numbers are far from the best in his career, but for the first time with Wembanyama in town, he won’t be asked to be the secondary scoring option. Sure, he can create off the dribble and get to his spots, but with Fox and Wembanyama commanding defensive attention, he should thrive in a smaller role.
Statistically, he won’t have the best season of his career, even if his shooting efficiency skyrockets. However, he has never been able to play his proper role: the third or fourth option on a very good team.
As the Spurs get better and ask less of Vasell, expect him to continue to thrive, this time on a contender.
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