San Antonio Spurs SG Devin Vassell Sees Himself as 'Defensive Anchor'

Devin Vassell has been leading the San Antonio Spurs on both ends of the floor.

Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) drives as Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (8) / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs cruised to a victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Devin Vassell led the way for the Spurs, adding 31 points and making four of his eight three-point shots. This season, Vassell has been settling into the role of offensive engine and has been one of the more consistent scorers on the roster.

Vassell is a solid player on both ends of the floor. This season, he has continued to take and make plenty of three-point shots but has been more than willing to get to his spot inside the arc or attack the rim. The DeMar DeRozan influence from early in his career has been shining through.

Mar 23, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs forward Devin Vassell (24) / Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

While Vassell has been tasked with being the focal point on offense, he still takes pride in his defense, which got him drafted 11th overall in 2020.

"I'm just trying to be a leader out there on both ends of the floor," said Vassell after the victory. "I talked about it earlier in the season where I just want to be that defensive anchor. I want to be somebody who is picking up and just being disruptive. Defensive end, I've been trying to anchor that and offensively coach puts me in a great position to get downhill. Get to my spots. Pick them apart."

It's safe to say that Jeremy Sochan is the Spurs' best point-of-attack defender, and Victor Wembanayama is already one of the best rim protectors in the league. However, with Vassell slotting into the third defensive spot, the Spurs have their defensive core set for the future.