The San Antonio Spurs have a pretty clear identity with a pretty clear focus. Even before he was drafted, it was clear that Victor Wembanyama would be one of the most imposing defenders in the NBA. He was quick to live up to the hype.
Around Wembanyama, their anchor, the Spurs are trying to build up their defense as a calling card. Jeremy Sochan is a physical game wrecker, De’Aaron Fox has led the league in steals, and their youngsters are making defense their calling card.
Carter Bryant, picked 14th, seems ready to lock down anyone in the NBA. Second overall pick Dylan Harper is expected to be Wembanyama’s offensive running mate, but after one preseason game, he has shown a motor to thrive on defense.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 12: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs brings the ball up the court against Maxwell Lewis #36 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Dylan Harper Makes Defense His Calling Card
Harper was an elite facilitator and scorer in the NCAA at Rutgers, and his defense seemed servicable.
In his preseason debut and overtime win over the Utah Jazz, he offered nine points and three assists, connecting with Victor Wembanyama for a dunk. Early in the game, he was picking up players full-court and didn’t let up on the defensive end.
“Defense is how you win games, championships,” he said after his first game. “I mean, I think the best teams play defense, whether it’s OKC, Indiana, two teams that are in the Finals. One thing in common about both teams is that they’re going to play defense every night, they’re going to be aggressive, physical, and all five are going to guard.”
On offense, Harper has been compared to both Cade Cunningham and James Harden. On defense, he seems to want to play like TJ McConnell, one of the peskier, effective guard defenders in the NBA. However, Harper has more athleticism than McConnell, making him even more dangerous.
San Antonio Spurs Agree on Team Defense
The Spurs, unfortunately, can’t be as good as their best defender, although a lineup of five Wembanyamas is fun to think about.
Wembanyama has emerged as the leader of the team both on and off the court, and he’s holding players more accountable on the defensive end.
“Much more purposeful,” he said of the team defense heading into the season. “Obviously, it’s easy to see the progress of the players.”
As the Spurs get older and more experienced, the rest of the team is getting closer to Victor Wembanyama’s eye-popping abilities, even if the gap remains distant.
“From the personnel to everyone on the floor, I think we could be a really good defensive team,” Harper predicted.
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