Dylan Harper is set to come off the bench as San Antonio's sixth man in the upcoming season. With more minutes, the former Rutgers star can showcase his growing arsenal more often, and Tobias Harris can help with that. In fact, they can help each other by developing a strong two-man game to drive defenses nuts.
That should be a large focus this summer. Many believe Harris will end up in the starting unit, but that's not a given. The Spurs value Julian Champagnie's shooting. The spacing he provides is the perfect fit for Victor Wembanyama's, De'Aaron Fox's, and Stephon Castle's playing styles.
The bench is the unit that needed help, and that's where Tobi comes in.
Harper and Harris can form a dangerous offensive pairing
Harper loves to get downhill, putting pressure on defenses to retreat and protect the rim. Unfortunately for them, he's such a good finisher that he'll put the ball in the bucket regardless of whether they're contesting his shot or not.
That gives him (everyone's favorite word) gravity, forcing help in one way or another. As defenses get sucked in, the floor opens up for others. But the incoming sophomore is still working on his skills as a true playmaker, so it's unfair to assume he's going to orchestrate the offense like prime Chris Paul just because he can manipulate defenders.
However, if there's an easier read to make with a screener who knows how to work his way into the soft spots in defensive coverages, Harper's life becomes much simpler. The 15-year veteran from New York is a three-level scorer with a big body that Harper can work off. And he's smart. Harris won't get in Dylan's way. If anything, he'll help set him up for easier buckets and passes.
Harper's jumper could unlock this partnership
If these two attack the offseason with the mindset that they can form a deadly duo off the bench, we should see Harper's assist numbers rise, as well as his efficiency in the paint—which is already insane. One of the keys to making this pairing completely unstoppable is Dyl's shooting.
He was abysmal from behind the arc on off-the-dribble shots but was money on catch-and-shoots during the second half of the season, and his midrange pull-up is spotty. Those skills are likely to be his primary focus this summer, so if he can manage respectability in those areas, the court will be his playground.
Harris will do his job. He'll score opportunistically on midrange pull-ups, post-ups, threes off the catch, and free throws. Together with Harper putting in his work, they'll give the Spurs a valuable weapon that can keep the offense rolling when the starters sit. It's up to them to make it so.
