FanPost

Devin Vassell - Future Sun?

There are certain players in the league whose numbers can't fully quantify what they do. I'm talking about Mikal Bridges, Marcus Smart, PJ Tucker, the guys that contribute so much more than their measly point tallies suggest. Come the start of next season we can add Devin Vassell to that list.

Vassell shone in an increased role this season after the departures of Mfiondu Kabengele and Terrance Mann to the NBA, earning All-ACC Second Team honours with fellow Seminole Trent Forrest. At 6'7 with a 6'10 wingspan, Vassell holds the physical traits of a prototypical NBA wing. Combined with his 3-point shooting, defensive instincts and offensive upside, this makes him one of the most intriguing prospects of the class, especially from a Suns perspective.

I recently wrote about adopting a more heliocentric approach around Booker; Vassell might be the perfect guy to play the 2 and fully realise the potential of such an approach. Just a reminder as to how effective those point Booker line-ups have been in the past:

18/19: Booker at the 1 w/o Jamal, Jimmer, Canaan, Daniels, Tyler, Evans, Melton or Okobo on the floor
Possessions: 717
ORtg: 117.57
DRtg: 109.64
NetRtg: 7.93

19/20: Booker at the 1 w/o Rubio, Tyler, Carter, Okobo, Harper, Jerome or Lecque on the floor
Possessions: 46 (only)
ORtg: 128.89
DRtg: 108.70
NetRtg: 20.19

Defensive Fit

Vassell's calling card is his genuinely elite team defence - something particularly important if teams are going to pick on Booker.

This past season we were one of the worst teams in the league at defending the PnR, in part due to a lack of good help defenders (i.e Saric and Frank). This is something Vassell excels at. Reading the play, knowing exactly when to rotate over, tagging the role man, and providing relatively good rim protection (for a 6'7 guy) are all strengths of his, as highlighted here.

Whilst Vassell managed to post an impressive 2.8 STL%, it really undersells how disruptive he is. His ability to discretely disrupt opposition ball handlers through filling passing lanes and stunting against drives whilst still containing his direct matchup doesn't show up in the box score, but it makes a real impact on the flow of the opposition's offense. Specifically, if teams try to isolate Booker, having Vassell there (among our other long defenders in Mikal and Kelly), is going to be huge in ensuring they can't take advantage of him.

Finally, Vassell's ability to essentially guard 1 through 5 is a genuine impact skill. Whilst you wouldn't want to ever play him at the 5 permanently, he is capable of switching onto bigger guys - made possible by his excellent ball denial abilities, and intelligent footwork that helps make up for his relative lack of strength.

In terms of his on-ball impact, it is somewhat mitigated by his lack of burst/athleticism, limiting his ability to guard quicker players, however his combination of length and active hands will allow him to hold his own against even the best perimeter players. This said, I would expect Mikal to get the assignment of the bigger perimeter threat most nights, given he is much more adept at guarding quicker, shiftier guys. As such I wouldn't be too concerned with him being merely good as an on-ball defender.

Ultimately his high-level instincts, incredible defensive IQ, as well as his vocal nature on that end, make him a powerful defensive coordinator, much like Rubio was at times this season when calling out plays. It's unreasonable to expect him to be the leader of our defence his rookie year, but I believe he could assume the role before his rookie deal ends.

Offensive Fit

This is where the upside lies. On the surface he profiles as someone resigned to spot up 3pt shooting, but beneath that he shows a versatile shot profile with playmaking potential.

As an off-ball player, Vassell projects to be a plus scorer off the catch, knocking down over 40% of his 3s in college. Where he adds major value as an off-ball player however is through his basketball IQ. Not only is Vassell proficient at recognising when to cut, he is an elite relocator along the 3-point line, opening up numerous open 3s for him.

Whilst Vassell struggles to create separation for himself given his lack of burst, he is much more than a non-factor in terms of self-creation.

Vassell's versatility as a shooter is a key part of this. He showed excellent flashes of shooting off the dribble this season, on volume as well. His lack of burst somewhat helps him in this department, displaying great body control on pull-ups, utilising his high release to shoot over his matchup (negating the need to create much separation).

It's this pull-up ability that may help unlock his passing. As of right now he isn't much of a playmaker overall, nor out of the PnR, however he has shown consistently that he can hit pull-up jumpers. As defences key in on his shooting, more passing lanes will open up for him.

Verdict

Ultimately, I see Vassell as a super high impact player that will contribute to winning without having to receive a lot of touches or put up huge box numbers. As someone who is a plus shooter, plus defender, capable of creating his own shot and holds playmaking potential, he is an ideal ancillary piece. Whilst he may never be a star, he is a perfect fit here in Phoenix, especially if we adopt Booker as our long term 1.