Dylan Harper became the Spurs' biggest revelation when it mattered most

If there's one thing we learned this past season, it's that the Spurs have the best young core in the NBA. Victor Wembanyama is the face of that core, as he's already proved he's the best two-way threat in the league.

Next to him, Dylan Harper is the most irreplaceable player on their roster. His ability to step up in big moments proved that he is a cornerstone piece for their future. Harper had such a unique first year.

While his raw numbers didn't match up to some of his other rookie contemporaries like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe, his postseason performance proved that he was on another level. He was one of San Antonio's most reliable offensive players on that stage, and that couldn't have been more apparent than in the Finals.

He averaged 18.2 points on 49% shooting against the Knicks, ranking second for the Spurs in points per game behind Wembanyama. Sure, that series did expose some of his flaws, but it also gave us a glimpse into his future.

He has more than enough potential to become one of the best point guards in the NBA, proving that San Antonio struck gold in the 2025 draft by picking him.

Dylan has a rare offensive skillset that other young players don't

One of the things that makes Harper so special is his ability to get to his spots whenever he wants. He excels in beating defenders off the dribble, getting two feet in the paint, and finishing at the rim. Only a few players in the league were better at that than him.

No one could stop him from getting downhill, and that carried from the regular season all the way over to the Finals. It's such a rare thing for a young player to consistently get to their spots as a scorer regardless of the defensive schemes orchestrated by opposing coaches.

Isn't that the biggest struggle for a lot of guys? We see it often: they get into the postseason, can't adjust to the slower, grittier style of play and higher stakes, and hit a wall. That's where Dylan is different. At just 20, he's already proven that he's a playoff riser. From the first round to the Finals, defenders couldn't keep him from dominating in the paint.

This is what makes him such an irreplaceable player for San Antonio. It's not easy to find young talent with this level of offensive brilliance. And if that's what he did in just his first season, imagine what he'll look like with more experience under his belt.

Dylan Harper's future is scary

There are obviously some holes in Harper's game, which is what you'd expect. His jump shot could still use some work, as he drained just 29% of his threes in the Finals. He also has a bit of a way to go as a passer and playmaker.

I'm saying all of that about a player who just shined in his first postseason appearance. Even with these limitations, he was a go-to offensive option through an NBA Finals run; it's scary to think about what he can become when those weaknesses turn into strengths.

Harper can easily mold into a top-five point guard before he turns 25. Unless there's some unforeseen post-rookie year regression, the Spurs should never even consider moving him away. He's the perfect second option next to Victor Wembanyama and could be the key behind the next San Antonio dynasty.

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