Since drafting Victor Wembanyama in 2023, the San Antonio Spurs’ predominant precedence has been surrounding him with dynamic guards. Having robust backcourt play would make Wembanyama’s life quite a bit simpler, and the Spurs have carried out a powerful job of that up to now.
They drafted Stephon Fort in 2024, giving them a flexible backcourt piece that may playmake, slash, and defend at a excessive degree. They traded for De’Aaron Fox previous to final season’s commerce deadline to present them a veteran three-level scorer and a dependable clutch choice.
Regardless of having these two in tow, San Antonio has not stopped there. Fox and Fort have been their greatest choices to this point, however because the Spurs transfer into the long run, one guard stands out with famous person potential.
Dylan Harper is the long run for the Spurs not De’Aaron Fox
San Antonio received the second decide within the draft final summer season, and whereas they didn’t land Cooper Flagg, Harper was the subsequent neatest thing. He was a standout at Rutgers and is the right match for the fashionable sport. He’s an even bigger guard with a good deal with, a pick-and-roll maestro, and might slash to the rim at will.
Up to now, Harper has adjusted effectively to the NBA sport. He’s averaging about 13 factors per sport, three rebounds, and 4 assists. He seems snug in an on-ball function off the bench and has proven an incredible quantity of poise. He doesn’t flip the ball over (only one.7 per sport), and attending to the basket has been a power of his.
The one knock on Harper has been consistency. He has generally struggled with effectivity, particularly from three-point vary (solely 28 %). He has a true-shooting share of 52.7 %, however it takes time for younger gamers to determine be environment friendly.
In his final 5 video games, his three-point shot has come round (43 %), in order that may very well be an indication of extra improved taking pictures to return.
Harper may very well be the very best guard out of San Antonio’s trio
I’ve stated earlier than that Harper has plenty of Cade Cunningham-like tendencies to his sport, and we see how Cunningham is doing as a lead guard now in Detroit. As soon as Harper develops, he has the potential to kind a tantalizing duo with Wembanyama.
Fox is within the prime of his profession and is recent off a contract extension. It will permit the Spurs to carry Harper alongside slowly. If Fox have been to say no or when his contract is up, Harper will likely be ready within the wings to change into San Antonio’s lead ball-handler.
