With Dylan Harper officially ready to suit up in Silver and Black, it is never too early to start theorizing lineups.
There is no question that the second overall pick will be integrated into the Spurs rotation early and often. However, finding the right place for him will be difficult. Head coach Mitch Johnson will certainly experiment with all sorts of different player combinations that include the rookie phenom.
Whether he is coming off the bench or playing with the starters, we will see a whole lot of Harper next year.
Three-guard death lineup
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It's not often that you see an NBA lineup feature three primary guards, but with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle already on the roster, Johnson will undoubtedly deploy a unit with them all.
This lineup will feature the three guards, Fox, Harper, and Castle, playing positionless basketball along with Jeremy Sochan and Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt.
The main concern with this lineup is the defense, presenting Sochan as the solution. We have seen how any guard, no matter their size, can defend at a high level with the right effort. As Harper is 6'6", he should be able to hold his own against NBA wings. Nonetheless, the defense will be good enough if Wembanyama is on the court.
While the defense may not be perfect, the offense would be cataclysmic for opposing defenses. All three guards excel at getting downhill and attacking the rim, and defenses would be completely worn out by their speed. The trio would be able to make a load of plays for each other, as each is an excellent passer. In transition, nobody would be able to keep up.
This lineup will certainly be in play for Johnson throughout the season. It won't always be used, but in specific situations it will be deadly. Based on Harper's development and the Spurs' answer at power forward, there is a chance that this becomes the long-term starting lineup. I can't wait to watch it live.
Harper can lead this strong secondary unit
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To begin the season, we will likely see [Harper come off the bench](https://airalamo.com/spurs-massive-dylan-harper-problem-has-surprisingly-simple-solution). In this lineup, Harper is the primary guard in a unit that features Wembanyama and a group of reserves.
This lineup spotlights Harper at point guard, followed by Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Wembanyama.
With this group, Harper will have free rein to do the things he does best. He will completely control the court and have an excellent group of shooters around him. Harper can attack the paint with the security of great kick-out options. Additionally, Harper and Wemby can run a frightening pick-and-roll where both players can either stop and pop or drive to the basket.
This unit's offense would be staggering and keep the momentum going when Fox and Castle are on the bench. If the Spurs find a [suitable backup center](https://airalamo.com/the-spurs-perfect-draft-night-should-look-something-like-this), they would take Wembanyama's place in this lineup to give him the much-needed rest.
No matter what, the Spurs are always going to have high-impact players in the game. Not a single second will pass where Spurs fans need to worry about what lineup is on the court.
Whether Harper is running with the starters or in a reserve role, he will be getting a lot of action and will have the right pieces around him to succeed.