Sources: Spurs’ Vassell could make debut Sat.

There is optimism that San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell could make his season debut on Saturday against the Utah Jazz, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

Vassell, the Spurs’ second-leading scorer last season at 19.5 points per game, underwent offseason surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot. He also averaged a career-high 4.1 assists along with 3.8 rebounds while shooting 47.2% from the field and making 166 3-pointers a season ago.

The Spurs are 3-5 entering Thursday’s contest against the Portland Trail Blazers — the start of a five-game homestand.

Vassell, the 11th pick in the 2020 NBA draft, is a cornerstone player in San Antonio alongside superstar big man Victor Wembanyama.

San Antonio lost forward Jeremy Sochan for an extended period of time because of a fractured left thumb.

Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson is currently the team’s interim head coach after legendary coach Gregg Popovich suffered a serious health issue Saturday.