There's been what can be classified as fear, nervousness, anxiety, or whatever other word you feel is appropriate about drafting Dylan Harper. Skeptics are unsure of how he'll fit next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. After last night's event, Spurs general manager Brian Wright was asked about those reservations, and he had a very direct answer that should calm those feelings.
A thread of Brian Wright's comments after the 2025 NBA Draft. Part 1: The Spurs fielding calls for No. 2 and why they stuck with drafting Dylan Harper despite positional concerns.
— Josh Paredes (@Josh810) June 26, 2025
Continuing below 👇 pic.twitter.com/XeGk7IsTGN
"Having multiple ball handlers, multiple people that can create, multiple people that can put pressure on the rim, and make life easier for other players on the floor; I think that's an advantage, and I think we can do that for all 48 minutes." - Brian Wright
He's exactly right because perimeter players are in style right now (unless you can find an alien-sized center). Most teams are searching for big guards and versatile wings. They impact the game in major ways, and when you find a few who can play defense, you make life difficult for opponents. That's what the Spurs will be able to do while limiting their own frustrations.
San Antonio's guard rotation gives them an advantage
The name of the game should be "find the mismatch." It's fairly simple but requires patience and some basketball intelligence. Harper, Castle, and Fox all have a high IQ as floor generals, so they'll be able to execute this fairly easily.
Steph is a relentless driver of the basketball who uses his strength, quickness, and unique change-of-direction skill to get in the paint whenever he wants to. Whether that results in a bucket for him or someone else, it becomes harder to stop him if you have a small guard or a big man on him. But if he's having a tough time because his defender is capable, he doesn't have to work hard. Pass it to the next man.
The goal should always be to get your team the best shot possible. The Spurs took too many tough shots last year, but that will change next season. It starts at the point of attack.
Swipa is one of the fastest players in the league. If you can't move your feet laterally, you've already lost. He and Harper will be looking to do the same things when the ball is in their hand with some poor fella in front of them who shouldn't be there. Break him down, compromise the defense, and find a good shot.
Let's not forget that the ultimate mismatch is Victor Wembanyama against whoever draws the short straw of guarding him. It's not really looking good for the rest of the league. They need shooting, and they're addressing that.
Carter Bryant was a step in the right direction, but we still have free agency. That begins on June 30. And if Harrison Barnes has another good shooting year, plus Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie take another step, we'll really be cooking.