It was easy to lose track of Vassell refining his game last year due to the gravitational field of Victor Wembanyama. But the 24-year-old wing is a key cog in the machine the Spurs are constructing. Vassell saw a career-high 33.1 minutes and reached new highs in points (19.5) and assists (4.1) per game, as well as field-goal percentage (47.2%). He's quietly one of the league's more prolific mid-range shooters, with 38 percent of his attempts coming between four feet and the three-point line. Most of his strides in efficiency came at the rim and floater range, opened up by Wembanyama's presence and passing ability. Vassell reached high marks in rim efficiency (71%) and short mid-range efficiency (51%) last year. With the No. 4 pick in this summer's draft, the Spurs selected Stephon Castle, who is essentially the same size as Vassell. However, he doesn't project to threaten Vassell's minutes due to Vassell's established presence and great three-point shooting. As it stands, it looks like Vassell should again be San Antonio's second scoring option behind Wembanyama, though he might be asked to handle the ball slightly less with Chris Paul in town. With his age and role, Vassell's fantasy value has the potential to rise for a fourth year in a row.
