The San Antonio Spurs may be forced into a three-guard starting lineup next season, with Dylan Harper's rapid development creating a major rotation puzzle. NBA insider Tim MacMahon believes Harper's strong rookie campaign and desire to start could see him join De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle in the first five.
Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in 2025, averaged 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season. He shot an efficient 50.5 percent from the field. His role expanded in the playoffs, where he put up 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds during the Spurs' run to the Finals. Against the New York Knicks, he was even better, averaging 18.0 points and 6.4 rebounds over five games. He capped the series with a team-high 25 points in Game 5.
This leaves head coach with a complex decision. Stephon Castle averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists last year. De'Aaron Fox contributed 18.6 points and 6.2 assists per game. Both are essential to the team's success. MacMahon stated on the Hoop Collective podcast that Harper's camp expects a starting role. He said the Spurs might have to "start those 3 guards and figure out the rotation from there."
Tension surfaced this offseason when Harper joked about not wanting to come off the bench. He later clarified his comments, saying he would accept any role that helps the team win. Rumors of friction with Fox were denied. Harper recently emphasized his team-first mentality. "Everyone has a competitive edge," Harper said. "But the biggest thing for me is whatever I can do to help the team win."
His playoff performance provides a compelling argument for more minutes. The Spurs are not looking to overhaul a roster that just reached the 2026 NBA Finals. They are focused on maximizing talent around Victor Wembanyama. Integrating three high-level guards is their latest challenge.
The team enters this discussion in excellent form. They are on a five-game winning streak, most recently beating the Golden State Warriors 127-113 on April 2. Their recent run includes dominant wins over the Chicago Bulls (129-114), Milwaukee Bucks (127-95), Miami Heat (136-111), and Indiana Pacers (134-119). A narrow 101-100 victory over the Phoenix Suns on March 20 kicked off this impressive stretch.
The solution might be to abandon traditional lineup conventions. Starting Harper, Fox, and Castle together would create a dynamic, multi-faceted backcourt. It would demand flexibility from other positions on the floor. Defensive matchups would require careful planning.
This move signals the Spurs' evolution from a rebuilding team to a contender optimizing its assets. Harper's rise from a bench contributor to a potential star forces the issue. How the coaching staff manages minutes and roles between three deserving starters will be a key storyline. Their recent winning form shows the core is already clicking. Fitting Harper into the first unit could be the next step in unlocking their full potential.
