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Spurs’ Devin Vassell to Make Season Debut Saturday Against Jazz

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San Antonio Spurs Devin Vassell to Make Season Debut Saturday Against Jazz

San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell will make his season debut Saturday against the Utah Jazz, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday. Vassell was San Antonio’s second-leading scorer last season, averaging a career-high 19.5 points per game.

San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell underwent offseason surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot

Vassell, 24, underwent offseason surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot. In 68 games (62 starts) last season, he also averaged career highs of 4.1 assists and 33.1 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 47.2% from the field and 37.2% from 3-point range.

In San Antonio’s 129-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 15, 2023, he recorded a career-high 36 points on 12-of-19 (63.2%) shooting from the floor, 5-of-10 (50%) from beyond the arc, and all seven made free throws.

“… His season debut is imminent,” Charania said. “We know how important he is for the Spurs — providing floor spacing around Victor Wembanyama. They’re starting a five-game homestand, and so, another floor spacer and scorer for Wemby and Chris Paul.”

Vassell, the 11th pick in the 2020 NBA draft out of Florida State, signed a five-year, $135 million rookie contract extension in October 2023. He’s making $29.34 million this season and is slated to earn $27 million in 2025-26.

San Antonio has struggled to score without Vassell, as the fourth-worst offense in the league

The 6-foot-5 Vassell elevates San Antonio’s offensive production alongside superstar big man Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio is also playing without forward Jeremy Sochan, who is sidelined with a fractured left thumb.

Sochan, who’d been having a breakout season, fractured his left thumb during Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers and will have surgery to repair it.

Furthermore, Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson is currently the team’s interim head coach after five-time NBA champion coach Gregg Popovich suffered a serious medical issue Saturday.

The Spurs improved to 4-5 after Thursday night’s 118-105 win against the Portland Trail Blazers. San Antonino currently sits 12th in the Western Conference standings below the Lakers (4-4) and Clippers (4-4).