Dylan Harper is already earning praise from one of the Spurs’ most important voices.
Tony Parker, who spent 17 years in San Antonio and helped define the point guard position for nearly two decades, says the rookie has the kind of game that can carry the franchise forward. Parker’s own Spurs résumé is long and decorated: four NBA championships, a Finals MVP, and six All-Star selections. Now, he’s watching from the sidelines and liking what he sees from the team’s next wave of guards.
San Antonio has given itself time to let that group grow. Gregg Popovich is no longer the head coach, but his influence still runs through the roster because Mitch Johnson is one of his proteges. That setup gives players like Harper and Stephon Castle room to develop into stars in their own roles.
Castle has emerged as the Spurs’ best perimeter-focused two-way player, though his offensive game is still coming along. Harper, meanwhile, is being viewed as the one with the highest offensive ceiling on the roster, even with Victor Wembanyama in the mix. That’s a big statement, and it helps explain why so many people around the league have been paying attention.
During the 2026 Playoffs, there were already calls for Harper to start in the NBA Finals as a rookie over De'Aaron Fox. Fox was still getting the benefit of the doubt as a proven veteran, even while he was struggling. The conversation isn’t going away anytime soon, but for now Harper is set to stay in a backup role.
Parker has no issue with that. He sees something familiar in Harper’s game and believes the Spurs have a special player on their hands.
"First of all, the way he adapted as a rookie. Not everybody can adapt like that as a rookie.
He had a great season, and you can see a lot of similar stuff (to me), the way he can drive to the basket, the way he's like fearless, and he's going after it. I think we’re very blessed to have a player like that.
I think he’s going to be good for a long, long time. Him and Castle.
They are like the real deal," Parker said about Harper in his interview with Bea Fabregas.
That kind of endorsement carries real weight in San Antonio. Parker has seen what elite guard play looks like up close, and he’s not shy about saying Harper belongs in that conversation for the future.
With Harper, Castle, and Fox all on the roster, the Spurs have a crowded backcourt and a lot to sort through. But Parker’s message is clear: Harper looks like the real deal.
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