The San Antonio Spurs boast one of the very best young cores in the NBA, and it all centers on Victor Wembanyama. In an effort to maximize their superstar, the Spurs added point guards Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper in the last year.
After two standout preseason games, it’s clear that Harper is ready to thrive at the highest level. The Spurs could trade Fox or Castle, although Fox is signed to a maximum extension and Castle has excellent chemistry with Wembanyama.
Once Fox recovers from his hip injury and returns to the lineup, there is a growing fear that Harper’s promising development will be stunted by long stretches on the bench.
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 06: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs before their preseason game against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions at Frost Bank Center on October 6, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs Must Solve Rotation Problem
While Castle, Harper, and Fox are all high-level players, they have the same weaknesses. None of them are elite shooters, so having all three on the floor will limit the Spurs’ spacing.
Harper shot 33.3% from deep in college. Through two preseason games, he is sitting at 50% on only four attempts.
“I think Mitch Johnson’s toughest challenge,” said Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, “when De’Aaron Fox comes back, you got to find minutes for Dylan Harper. Like, you’re going to have to play these three-guard lineups with Stephon Castle, who also needs to play big minutes.”
Of course, the Spurs’ success starts and ends with Wembanyama. However, having two young guards who fit his timeline and one established star to lead the way seems like a solid strategy to get the most out of him.
“That team is legit,” Mannix added. “I think their learning curve is going to be very short. Like, they are going to be really good, really quickly, even in that conference.”
San Antonio Spurs Expected to Make Playoff Noise
The Spurs have not made the playoffs since 2019. In the last three seasons, they have drafted two Rookies of the Year and landed Harper second overall.
Harper is generally seen as the second-best prospect in the class behind Cooper Flagg, although he is an elite young guard. With him playing significant minutes alongside more established backcourt players, the Spurs are expected to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
Of course, Spurs fans are no strangers to “perfect pairings.” Zach Collins was touted as the perfect complement to Wembanyama in the frontcourt, and Jeremy Sochan’s lack of shooting has limited his once-promising spot in the lineup.
Until the Spurs can find some regular-season success, everything will remain speculative.
As the preseason carries on, it’s becoming quickly clear that Harper is one of the better players on the team, so he should be able to find significant minutes once the season kicks off.
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