Devin

Vassell

Not too long ago, some questioned whether or not it was time for fantasy managers to move on from Vassell. Those who refused to do so were rewarded significantly Tuesday night, as he had the best game of his NBA career. The 37 points were a career-high for Vassell, who shot 8-of-11 from three and recorded a complete stat line. Since the All-Star break, Devin has provided sixth-round value in nine-cat formats. Unfortunately, he’ll have to wait a few days to build on Tuesday’s performance, as the Spurs don’t play again until Friday.

Vassell has scored 15 points or more in consecutive games for the first time in nearly a month. While the fantasy value since the All-Star break has been poor, the Spurs wing has been a 12th-round player over the past week. Vassell’s decreased defensive production has been a factor, but he has recorded a steal and a blocked shot in two straight games. If Vassell can increase the defensive numbers, his fantasy value should improve despite the inconsistent scoring.

While Vassell’s shooting has not improved much, as he’s made just 37.7 percent of his attempts over the past week, he’s scored 20 points in two of his last three outings. The culprit for the Spurs wing on Saturday was the three-point line, as Vassell shot 2-of-9. He made 70 percent of his two-point attempts, offsetting a poor run from a distance. Over the past month, Vassell has averaged 1.5 three-pointers per game on 25.7 percent shooting. When well over one-third of your attempts are three-pointers, a cold streak will have a more significant impact.

After scoring nine points on 4-of-13 shooting in the Spurs’ final two games before the All-Star break, Johnson has reached double figures in five straight. Surpassing the 20-point mark in two outings, including Wednesday’s defeat, he has been a top 100 player in eight-cat formats. With Devin Vassell (nine points, five rebounds, three assists and one three-pointer in 24 minutes) continuing to struggle, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to consider rostering Johnson in the short term. He’s available in 69 percent of Yahoo! leagues, so he won’t be too difficult to find on the waiver wire.

Vassell’s struggles have been well-documented, with the Spurs guard ranked just inside the top 200 in eight-cat formats over the past month. Not only has the scoring been down (13.8 ppg), but he’s only shot 39.1 percent from the field. Vassell didn’t have a great night shooting the ball, but he finished with 20 points after going five straight with 13 or less. With Victor Wembanyama done for the season, many fantasy managers hoped the injury would catalyze Vassell. Unfortunately, that has not been the case, but Tuesday’s stat line helps.

Vassell has struggled since scoring 25 points in a February 8 loss to the Magic. Over his last five games, the Spurs wing has averaged 7.8 points on 27.5 percent shooting from the field. Making matters worse for category league managers is that Vassell hasn’t been productive in other areas, either. The Spurs not having Victor Wembanyama may give Devin more time to figure things out. Still, his place in the starting lineup is worth watching, mainly as Stephon Castle develops. Castle also struggled on Sunday, shooting 1-of-10 from the field and finishing with two points and two assists in 22 minutes.

Vassell continues to benefit from the addition of De’Aaron Fox. In three games since Fox was acquired by the Spurs, the 24-year-old shooting guard has 15, 20 and 25 points. Vassell has shot over 50 percent from the field in two of three games since San Antonio acquired Fox and continues to be heavily involved in the offense. Fox has sped up the Spurs offense, which has led to more attempts for Vassell.

One night after having his high school jersey number retired, Vassell had a productive night in Atlanta. The points and steals were excellent, especially for a player who has offered 11th-round value in 8-cat formats over the past two weeks. Vassell is one of the players who may benefit from the addition of De’Aaron Fox, even though it is likely that his usage will take a hit. He attempted 18 shots against the Hawks, a positive sign for Vassell regarding his involvement in the offense.

The Spurs offense was disjointed with Victor Wembanyama (illness) out. Vassell led the team with 22 shot attempts, but was hardly efficient. The 24-year-old shooting guard was 8-of-22 from the field including 1-of-10 from behind the 3-point line. He ranks just outside the top-100 in fantasy value this season. Vassell’s managers may have to worry about his playing time if the Spurs acquire De’Aaron Fox next week.

Ranked just outside the top 100 in 8-cat formats for the season, Vassell’s production has increased recently. Over the past two weeks, he’s averaged 18.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 3.4 3-pointers per game while shooting over 46% from the field. That production has been good for 6th-round value, three rounds better than his season-long production. Managers who have Vassell rostered may be a bit nervous, given the recent De’Aaron Fox/San Antonio rumors. Still, there’s no guarantee he’s traded to San Antonio (or the Kings will make a move before the February 6 deadline).