Dylan Harper’s Performance Sparks Conversations About Spurs’ Future

The NBA Finals showcased Dylan Harper’s ability to hold his own against top competition. The former Rutgers standout is signaling to the Spurs that he’s ready for a larger role, especially as questions swirl around De’Aaron Fox’s position on the team following a disappointing series against the Knicks.

Harper’s camp is reportedly pushing for him to break into the Spurs’ starting lineup for the 2026-27 season after his impactful moments off the bench during the Finals, as noted by ESPN.

Interestingly, Harper has voiced some concerns about how he has been utilized since being picked second overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Teammate Devin Vassell mentioned that Harper had reservations regarding his playing time, particularly after the team’s Game 5 loss to the Knicks.

ESPN added that Harper felt uneasy with his role at the start of the season, even though he eventually saw an uptick in playing time.

During his rookie year, Harper participated in 69 games, starting just four, averaging about 22.6 minutes and 11.8 points per contest. He played in two of the 23 playoff games, taking on an increased role when Fox was sidelined, and averaged 26.8 minutes in the postseason, including 31 minutes in the pivotal Finals.

His playoff scoring climbed to an average of 14.1 points per game.

Vassell commented on Harper’s frustrations regarding playing time, noting, “He was upset about the difference in minutes and his role, but when we needed him the most, he stepped up. We have a star in the making.”

The challenge for Harper, however, lies in the fact that the Spurs already have established starters in Fox and Stephon Castle. The Spurs traded for Fox before drafting Harper, and Fox’s hefty four-year, $229 million extension kicks in next season.

Fox’s performance during the Finals only diminished his status, especially after a shaky layup attempt against OG Anunoby in the closing seconds of Game 4 and a poor shooting night in Game 5 where he shot 3-of-15.

Despite the controversies, ESPN reports that the Spurs are still “committed” to Fox as their starting point guard, though Harper’s playoff performance could complicate matters if he’s kept in a bench role.

In Game 1, Fox appeared more frequently in crucial moments than Harper, which led to some criticism of coach Mitch Johnson. Yet while Fox struggled, Harper had a standout game in Game 5.

It’s likely that the Spurs won’t consider trading Harper anytime soon, leaving him in a bit of a bind unless he openly expresses his dissatisfaction. Notably, Harper shared a TikTok video critical of Fox following Game 1 of the Finals.

Looking ahead, ESPN’s Michael C. Wright mentioned that this isn’t an immediate issue for the Spurs. Fox’s contract won’t become a concern until Victor Wenbanyama’s rookie extension comes into play, as well as a potential max deal for Castle next summer.