Dylan Harper has a clear message for everyone doubting Mitch Johnson

In Dylan Harper's sit-down with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, the abnormally talented young guard gave some insight into the important role Mitch Johnson has been playing in the Spurs' development. These comments couldn't have come at a better time, as tons of criticism was levied towards Coach Johnson after San Antonio's Finals loss.

"So I mean, him and the rest of the staff, I think they've—I think they've put up a great kind of structure for us," Harper tells Robinson. "And they allowed us to grow. And he's growing right with us."

Forget what you heard this summer; Dylan's made it clear that he and his peers are behind Mitch Johnson and have bought into his system. This sort of synergy between a coach and his team is imperative for long-term success.

Dylan Harper is still all in on Mitch Johnson

Mitch Johnson did make his fair share of mistakes during the NBA Finals. Whether he was struggling to manage timeouts, lineups, and substitutions, his imperfections were put on display on the biggest stage in basketball.

Dylan Harper was affected by some of Johnson's lackluster decision-making. Despite his consistent offensive play, he was subbed out during key moments, leaving the door open for the Knicks to take advantage.

But any offseason chatter about Coach Johnson not being the right man for the job was preposterous. Like so many of San Antonio's players, inexperience was a driving factor in his struggles; that's what you have to expect from someone so early in his coaching career.

Harper still sees the big picture and understands Johnson's impact on this team. He didn't allow last season's mistakes and this summer's noise to cloud his judgment. The second-year guard has made it clear that he's bought into Mitch's system and the Spurs' collective growth, from the coaching staff all the way to the last man on the bench.

Mitch Johnson and Dylan Harper are reflections of each other

Despite playing different roles, Dylan Harper and Mitch Johnson have some striking similarities. Recently, they both had to navigate uncomfortable, unfamiliar situations to deliver results.

For Harper, this looked like figuring out how to be effective as a rookie in a stacked backcourt while living up to the lofty expectations of being a second overall draft pick

Johnson unexpectedly took over as the head coach for one of the NBA's most storied franchises and was tasked with managing an odd, inexperienced roster. But both of them took these challenges head-on and turned lemons into lemonade, playing a big part in establishing San Antonio as the premier Western Conference powerhouse.

If Harper and Johnson can continue to grow and develop alongside each other, the Spurs will be in the perfect position to make their highly coveted championship run. Their relationship could become the backbone of the NBA's next potential dynasty.

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