The San Antonio Spurs are starting to look like a team that’s not just building for the future-they’re quietly shaping up to make noise right now. A big reason?
Depth. Real, game-changing depth.
This roster has that rare mix of promising young talent and seasoned veterans who know how to win. And when you’ve got the No. 2 overall pick coming off the bench?
That’s not just depth-that’s a luxury most teams can’t even dream of.
That pick, of course, is Dylan Harper. And if you haven’t been paying attention to what he’s doing in limited minutes, now’s the time to start.
A Bench Role, But Not a Bench Impact
Harper’s averaging 13.1 points and 3.7 assists in just under 22 minutes per game through his first 15 NBA outings. Stretch that out to a per-36-minute pace, and you're looking at 21.4 points and 6.0 assists. That’s not just solid-that’s production you usually get from a featured starter, not a rookie still adjusting to the NBA grind.
And yet, Harper isn’t even the focal point of the offense. He’s arguably San Antonio’s fifth option, which tells you just how deep this team is.
But what makes him so valuable is that he doesn’t need a high-usage role to make a real impact. He’s efficient, aggressive, and already showing the kind of poise that belies his age.
Harper’s Paint Presence Is Already Elite
What really jumps off the page is Harper’s ability to get to-and finish at-the rim. He’s hitting 66.7% of his shots within three feet of the basket, which is elite territory, especially for a rookie guard. At just 19 years old, he’s already one of the most effective point guards in the league when it comes to attacking the paint.
It’s a combination of size, skill, and savvy. Harper has a natural feel for navigating traffic, using his body to shield defenders and finishing through contact.
He’s not just fast-he’s controlled. That’s rare.
And it’s a big reason why the Spurs can keep pressure on opposing defenses, even when their starters sit.
Spurs’ Backcourt Rotation Is a Nightmare-for Opponents
San Antonio’s recent NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup with the Lakers was a perfect showcase of how dangerous this team can be when the backcourt is clicking. Harper played just 20 minutes but still dropped 13 points and dished out three assists. More importantly, he helped keep the tempo up and the Lakers’ defense on its heels.
The Spurs are running a three-headed monster at point guard, and it’s working. They’re able to keep two attacking guards on the floor at all times, which means constant pressure, fast breaks, and plenty of easy looks in transition. It’s a strategy that wears teams down-and Harper’s ability to slot in seamlessly with any lineup makes it even more effective.
The X-Factor in San Antonio’s Playoff Push
Here’s the thing: the Spurs don’t need Harper to be a traditional floor general. They don’t even need him to run the offense.
What they need is exactly what he’s giving them-efficient scoring, relentless rim pressure, and smart decision-making in short bursts. That’s what makes him the ultimate X-factor.
When you compare him to other recent rookies in similar roles, the numbers speak volumes. Castle, for example, averaged 14.7 points in 26.7 minutes last season, starting 15 games.
Harper’s producing more per minute, and doing it with better efficiency. That’s not a knock on Castle-it’s just a testament to how special Harper could be.
And that’s what makes this so intriguing. We’re only scratching the surface of what Harper might become.
If he’s this effective in a limited role now, imagine what he could look like by the time the playoffs roll around. That’s the kind of player who can swing a series-or an entire postseason run.
A Ceiling That’s Still Rising
The Spurs have built something real. They’re young, they’re deep, and they’re already showing flashes of a team that could do serious damage in the playoffs.
Harper, even as a bench player, is a big part of that. His ability to change the pace, attack the paint, and score efficiently gives San Antonio a weapon most teams simply don’t have.
If he keeps progressing-and there’s every reason to believe he will-the Spurs’ ceiling this season might be even higher than we thought. And if Harper becomes the player he’s hinting at being, San Antonio won’t just be a fun young team. They’ll be a legitimate problem for the rest of the league.