ESPN just nailed the reason why Dylan Harper coming off the bench is an easy prediction. On yesterday’s episode of NBA Today, the panel discussed what to expect from the Spurs this season. It’s Victor Wembanyama’s third year in the league, and when you combine his already elite skill with the vets on the roster, it’s clearly winning time. But that doesn’t exactly line up with developing young guards… unless it does.
Harper will need to earn his minutes
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Stephon Castle had a chance to learn a lot last year by playing next to Chris Paul. He also initiated the offense quite a bit as they got him acclimated to NBA basketball, but there will likely be much less of that this year for Harper, and that’s okay. It may actually be the best thing for him and his long-term development.
Richard Jefferson made that point, stating, “Young players have to earn the right to be on the court. We’re not going to give you 30 minutes, and if we lose, we lose… You have to earn that, which can be great for young players.” That’s the perfect approach to take for the second overall draft pick.
San Antonio hasn't made it into the postseason in more than half a decade. It's time to correct that, and Wembanyama is the reason things will change, but he can't do it by himself. That's why the veterans on the team are so important. They didn't trade for De'Aaron Fox and pay him all that money or add Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk just to keep losing.
The two big men have experience playing on winning teams, and Fox was tired of the lack of direction from the organization that bred consistent losing. They're all here to ensure the fortunes of this organization change.
Fox is the running mate Wemby needs to make a playoff push
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Swipa, in particular, has been overly discussed as a potential piece to be moved because of Castle and Harper's presence, but it's been looked at the wrong way the entire time. The attendance of the former Kings' franchise star means that the team can do both things at once.
I have full faith that Steph will contribute to winning basketball next year. He has that kind of moxy, and his focus on improving this summer will show that. But Fox will be the driving force that helps this team win games on a more consistent basis. Harper will get his time on the court, but heavy minutes shouldn't be awarded just because he's there.
This team has higher aspirations this year than last, and it only encourages a more competitive atmosphere. If he wants to play 30 minutes, he'll need to show Coach Mitch Johnson that he deserves them. If he does that, we're cooking.