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.