Spurs' Devin Vassell Sends Confident Warning to NBA Amid San Antonio's Breakout Year

With a talented young core, plus veteran punch that includes Keldon Johnson and De'Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell says the Spurs pose a problem.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:54am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Spurs basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, silver, and crimson, conveying the team's dynamic energy and potential.The Spurs' young core, led by Devin Vassell, is poised to make noise in the NBA playoffs after years of rebuilding.San Antonio Today

San Antonio Spurs' Devin Vassell is confident that the team's talented young core, including Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and second overall pick Dylan Harper, along with veteran players like Keldon Johnson and De'Aaron Fox, will pose a problem for the rest of the NBA this season. Vassell, who is in his sixth year with the Spurs, says the team's future is bright and the 'league is in trouble'.

Why it matters

The Spurs have historically been one of the most successful franchises in the NBA, but have struggled with a six-year playoff drought. Vassell's comments suggest the team has turned a corner and is poised for a deep playoff run, which would mark a significant turnaround for the organization.

The details

The Spurs' roster includes the reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, the second overall pick of the 2025 draft Dylan Harper, and 22-year-old star Victor Wembanyama. Veteran players like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and De'Aaron Fox provide a strong veteran presence. Vassell says the team has been building good habits even during their losing seasons, and now those efforts are paying off with the team's current success.

  • The Spurs have missed the playoffs for the past six seasons.
  • This season, the Spurs have clinched at least the second seed in the Western Conference.

The players

Devin Vassell

A sixth-year pro and the second-longest tenured player on the Spurs roster, Vassell is confident in the team's young talent and believes the Spurs pose a problem for the rest of the NBA.

Keldon Johnson

A veteran player for the Spurs who, along with Vassell, is experiencing the playoffs for the first time since joining the team.

De'Aaron Fox

A veteran player for the Spurs who is set for his second taste of the playoffs.

Stephon Castle

The reigning Rookie of the Year, part of the Spurs' talented young core.

Dylan Harper

The second overall pick of the 2025 draft, another young talent on the Spurs roster.

Victor Wembanyama

The 22-year-old star player who is the centerpiece of the Spurs' talented young roster.

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What they’re saying

“'I keep saying it, but the league's in trouble,'”

— Devin Vassell, Spurs Player

“'We've got a lot of young talent that is really good and the sky's the limit for really all of them and really all of us,'”

— Devin Vassell, Spurs Player

“'Honestly, great,'”

— Devin Vassell, Spurs Player

“'I mean, we haven't accomplished anything yet. We've still got to get to the playoffs and finish out the season strong and get this thing going. But it's great compared to these past couple years to be in this position and not being on the opposite side of some of these teams that we've been facing.'”

— Devin Vassell, Spurs Player

“'With the team and the talent that we have now, it's able to show. But I think we were always trying to build the right habits. It just wasn't coming into winning.'”

— Devin Vassell, Spurs Player

What’s next

The Spurs will look to catch the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the Western Conference as they prepare for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Spurs' talented young core, led by players like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and De'Aaron Fox, have the team poised for a deep playoff run after a six-year drought. Their combination of youth and veteran leadership has the rest of the NBA on notice.