After missing the start of preseason, San Antonio Spurs' second overall pick, Dylan Harper, has turned heads with his impressive play. He has shot far better than expected, drilling three threes in his first two games and displaying impressive playmaking chops.
In fact, it's already obvious that he is the best passer on the Spurs, something that is rare for a 20-year-old on a team with playoff aspirations. That leads to increased expectations for Harper, and the Spurs are already running actions to try and maximize him.
As Spurs analyst Paul Garcia points out, the team is using double screens to help free him up to get downhill and attack the paint. Harper already has the skill to attack the paint with his speed, height, and craft, helping him to finish at the rim.
To give Dylan Harper a chance to blow by the defense with his speed, the Spurs had Kornet and Barnes set a double screen near halfcourt on a possession like the Clips used to do with Chris Paul.
— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) October 13, 2025
However, using double screens allows him to ramp up and attack the paint, giving him and the Spurs a clear advantage. Take for instance this play where the Spurs looked as though they were going to run a double-screen only for Luke Kornet to slip the screen and roll to the basket, where Harper tossed him a perfect alley-oop.
DYLAN ⬆️
LUKE ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cAP5RCx6sF
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 18, 2025
The Spurs have the perfect way to unleash Dylan Harper's potential
Utilizing multiple screens essentially takes his defender out of the play, and being able to attack the basket at full speed makes it hard for the opposing big man to contain his drive. Especially with Victor Wembanyama setting a screen up top or hanging out in the post or the dunker's spot.
Wembanyama drawing attention should make it even easier for Harper to get into the paint and collapse the defense. The Spurs largely struggled attacking the basket last season with Chris Paul starting at point guard.
He wasn't going into the paint, and the Spurs had De'Aaron Fox for just 17 games last season. Now, with Fox, Harper, and Stephon Castle, the Spurs have plenty of players who can put pressure on the rim.
Dylan Harper is key to the San Antonio Spurs' new offensive attack
Better still, Wembanyama seems to be putting more emphasis on scoring inside, with the team apparently looking to get more high-percentage looks. Harper's ability to get downhill and create is key to that, as evidenced by the Spurs looking for creative ways to put him in a position to succeed.
He could immediately thrive as a playmaker who can create open looks for his teammates, finish in the paint, and knock down shots, which he's done surprisingly well in the preseason. In that case, there is even a chance that Harper could quickly replace Castle in the starting five.
Y'all see why I said Harper starting over Castle?
— Ty Jäger (@TheTyJager) October 14, 2025
Overall, the Spurs' running actions for Harper to put him in a position to succeed are encouraging, to say the least. That, coupled with his stellar play in the preseason, should get Spurs fans excited to see how Harper performs in what is sure to be a strong rookie season.