2020 NBA Draft: A deep dive into Devin Vassell, a surefire first-round pick
By Cody Larson
Devin Vassell’s limitations
No prospect comes with without any flaws (no player, for that matter. Potentially excluding Michael Jordan or Kevin Garnett, relative to their eras). So of course a player like Vassell, who has plenty of positives to his game, comes with his limitations. Luckily, Vassel’s limitations are more so just current obstacles (that he can fix with time); rather than permanent barriers.
Statistically, according to his Synergy Play Types profile, the three major weaknesses in his game lie in the three following categories:
Vassell’s Play Type weaknesses
- Handoffs (receiver): 0.727 points per possession [Rank: “Average”]
- Pick-and-roll (ball handler): 0.714 points per possession [Rank: “Average”]
- Isolation possessions: 0.727 points per possession [Rank: “Average”]
Looking at his statistical weaknesses, it becomes evident Vassell’s “Achilles heel,” if one must be prescribed to him, is his inability to dribble the basketball excessively in the halfcourt.
He doesn’t have the deepest bags of tricks with the ball in his hand; that becomes evident when he is forced to dribble more than six-or-so times. He’s fine when dribbling off of pump fakes and does have a solid spin-fadeaway (which was earlier displayed), but beyond that he is limited. On top of that, he also isn’t the most advanced passer.
Statistically, he is solid; his 2,0 assist/turnover ratio proves he isn’t some reckless decision-maker. That being said, he’s kind of just that: solid. He’s more of an in-motion passer rather than a player who can forcefully create offense for others. That’s why he thrives more as a passer in transition rather than, say, in the pick-and-roll (his assist percentage is 5.7 percent better in transition). He’s better as a “reactive passer” than he is as a “creative passer.”
Vassell’s assist percentages
- In transition: 16.1 percent
- In halfcourt: 10.7 percent
Combine those two issues (his creativity as a dribbler and as a passer) and there lies the biggest roadblock within Vassell’s game. His superstar (or just star, for that matter) potential is limited due to his inability to make action happen on his own. He theoretically could be a black hole at the next level when having the ball in his hands for long periods of time.
That’s not necessarily an oh-so terrible thing; it might just limit his NBA player mold as a plug-in role player, rather than as an offensive cornerstone. It’s the typical “high floor, low ceiling” ordeal. Thankfully for Vassell though, he could fix this limitation with time.
Vassell’s growth from his freshman to sophomore year (in both his frame and skill set) proves he has gym rat tendencies. Assistant coach Young saw a star when he laid eyes on Vassell years ago; within a few more years, that could come into fruition; if he can blow by his roadblocks.