Dylan Harper eyes larger role after strong rookie season with San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper enters his second NBA season following a productive rookie campaign with the San Antonio Spurs. As the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper averaged 11.8 points and 3.9 assists per game as a key reserve, contributing to a season that saw the team secure the Western Conference's No. 2 seed. His performance during the 2026 NBA Finals was particularly notable, as he maintained efficiency and defensive impact while scoring a team-high 25 points in a season-ending Game 5 loss. Despite interest from his camp regarding a starting role, the team's backcourt remains set with Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox. Harper has stated his personal approach remains unchanged regardless of his status as a starter or reserve. The focus for the 20-year-old moving into the new season is to increase his perimeter shooting consistency.

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