Victor Wembanyama may be the face of the San Antonio Spurs’ future, but the team’s pathway to greater immediate success could hinge on a less obvious name.

Two-time NBA champion Matt Bonner recently said on SiriusXM NBA Radio that guard-forward Devin Vassell is the Spurs’ “X-factor” for the 2025-26 season.

“I think he’s underrated,” Bonner said. “He’s sneaky, super athletic on both ends of the floor. He’s just got to stay healthy.”

The Spurs are building around Wembanyama, who is entering his third season, alongside newly extended point guard De’Aaron Fox, No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper, and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. But in Bonner’s view, Vassell’s impact could decide whether San Antonio makes the leap from rebuilding to contending.

Last season, Vassell averaged 16.3 points, four rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3-point range. He missed the start of the year after foot surgery and later battled ankle issues, but he produced steady scoring when healthy.

The 25-year-old signed a five-year, $146 million contract extension in 2023, the richest in Spurs history under the modern salary cap at the time. As the team’s second-highest paid player behind Fox, the expectation is that he will take the next step as a co-star next to Wembanyama.

Bonner, who won titles with San Antonio in 2007 and 2014, said Vassell gives the Spurs a vital third scoring option who is too often overlooked.

“When people look at their roster, they forget about him,” Bonner said. “He’s a really good player. He gives them a really good third scoring option that can go off.”

If Vassell can stay on the floor and deliver consistent production, the Spurs could find themselves in the playoff mix for the first time since Wembanyama arrived.