Spurs core adjusts roles as postseason opens
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SAN ANTONIO — Swingman Devin Vassell credits his growth to accepting a supporting role rather than chasing star status, a shift teammates say has bolstered the Spurs as the playoffs begin.
Drafted in 2020, Vassell posted his lowest scoring average since the 2021/22 campaign, yet emphasized that catering to team needs outweighs individual production. “I know I can get a shot whenever I want,” he said. “But for the betterment of the team, sometimes that’s not what you need.” Forward Julian Champagnie called Vassell’s broader impact “substantive.”
Fox targets championship
Guard De’Aaron Fox said this season offers the final item on his personal checklist. “I’ve been All-NBA. I’ve been an All-Star. The last thing is to win a championship, and I think we have a good shot,” he told the Express-News, previewing anticipated first-round matchups with Portland.
Wembanyama ready for first NBA playoffs
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama, viewed as the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, called tonight’s Game 1 against the Trail Blazers his highest-stakes action since the 2024 Olympics. “This moment is what you work on all year, but also your whole career,” he said.
Mitch Johnson’s rise to the bench
Assistant-turned-head coach Mitch Johnson, a former Washington state and Stanford point guard, will guide San Antonio through the postseason as the franchise’s first bench boss not named Gregg Popovich since 1996.
Popovich still advising from afar
Forward Keldon Johnson said longtime coach Gregg Popovich remains deeply involved. “He texts me or calls me probably every other day,” Johnson noted, adding that Popovich offers both critiques and encouragement. “He’s still sharp. He has not skipped a beat at all.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
