NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates 
Dylan Harper is heading into his sophomore season with one thing on his mind — earning a spot in the San Antonio starting lineup.
During a recent GQ interview with his teammate and friend Stephon Castle, Harper spoke candidly, making his stance with the Spurs clear.
Advertisement
When asked whether he expected to return to his sixth-man role next season, Harper said “I ain’t coming off no bench.”
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) goes up for a shot during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday, June 13, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
During his rookie campaign, the former No. 2 overall pick averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 22 minutes per game.
The 19-year-old stepped up in the playoffs, averaging 14.1 points while shooting 51 percent from the field—all while starting just two games for the Spurs.
Yet, Harper’s limited number of starts frustrated him, and his teammates took notice.
“He was upset with playing time and different roles that he was in,” Devin Vassell said after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, a loss to the Knicks that clinched the series.
Advertisement
Harper’s goal of winning Sixth Man of the Year also offers a glimpse into how he views his current role with the Spurs.
San Antonio is loaded with guards, with Devin Vassell, De’Aaron Fox and last season’s Sixth Man winner, Keldon Johnson, rounding out the backcourt.
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper participates in a media interview during the team’s NBA basketball media day event Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/Darren Abate
Throughout the playoffs, Fox started at point guard for the Spurs despite struggling during the Finals.
He averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 41 percent from the field and 29 percent from 3-point range in 33.1 minutes per game.
As Harper continued to show he could score, conversations began to emerge about moving him into the starting lineup.
Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs pose for photos during San Antonio Spurs Media Day at the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/spurs-star-dylan-harper-makes-154939238.html
Author :
Publish date : 2026-09-29 15:49:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
