Bleacher Report analyst Greg Swartz has named second-year guard Dylan Harper the primary breakout candidate for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026-27 NBA season. This projection comes as the Spurs look to build on last season's Finals run, a campaign that ended with a 90-94 loss to the New York Knicks on June 14, 2026.
Harper, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, flashed significant potential during his rookie year. He averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in just 22.6 minutes per game during the regular season. His per-36 minute numbers were far more impressive, projecting to 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
His performance elevated in the playoffs, where he was arguably the team's second-best player behind Victor Wembanyama. Swartz pointed directly to Harper's play in the NBA Finals as evidence of a future star. "His play in the NBA Finals screamed future star," Swartz wrote, "which is a path the Spurs need to carve out for him alongside Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle."
Despite his playoff emergence, Harper is expected to begin the upcoming season in a reserve role, similar to his rookie year. He started only four of his 69 appearances last season. This sets up a potential early-season storyline regarding the backcourt rotation.
Swartz acknowledged a looming decision for head coach Gregg Popovich. "There may be some awkwardness when the San Antonio Spurs eventually bench veteran guard De'Aaron Fox in favor of Dylan Harper," he noted. The analyst firmly believes promoting Harper is the correct long-term move for the franchise's success.
The Spurs' recent form highlights the need for consistent secondary scoring. They lost their last two games of the Finals series and finished their last five games with a 1-4 record (LLWLL). Key results from that stretch include a 107-106 loss on June 11 and a 115-111 win on June 9, both against the Knicks.
Harper's growth is central to San Antonio taking the final step and winning a sixth championship. His ability to create shots, distribute the ball, and defend on the perimeter will be vital. The team must find a way to integrate his talents into the starting lineup alongside Wembanyama.
His low turnover rate of 2.3 per 36 minutes as a rookie suggests a mature playmaking style. Adding more steals and improving his three-point percentage will be areas to watch. The Spurs' offensive flow often depends on guard play, and Harper's development could unlock new dimensions.
Fans eager to track his progress can follow his season stats on our dedicated stats page. The upcoming schedule will test this young core immediately. Expect Harper's minutes and production to increase across the board as the season progresses. His partnership with Wembanyama in pick-and-roll situations could become a league-wide headache for opponents.
The Spurs have a clear plan to build around their young stars. Harper's second-year leap is not only hoped for, it's required. His playoff performance proved he can handle the pressure. Now, the regular season role must match that postseason trust.
