Dylan Harper holds the key to unleashing the Spurs’ most explosive offense yet

The San Antonio Spurs season hasn't gotten off to a strong start, but it's clear that Dylan Harper is the key to unlocking the best version of the Silver and Black. Harper didn't have the best game against the Oklahoma City Thunder but still provided a spark, especially in the second half.

Even as the Spurs were clanking shots left and right, Harper got to the rim and scored 18 points despite not hitting a three. Throw in 7 rebounds and 5 assists, and playing solid defense, and the decision to start Harper is looking like the right move. He then followed that up with a 20-point performance against the Houston Rockets.

With Harper now starting alongside De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have both a large learning curve and a high ceiling.

It's a small, spacing-challenged lineup but could make up for it with Harper providing San Antonio yet another ball handler who can find Wembanyama. Harper also provides the Spurs another slasher who can get to the basket at will.

Dylan Harper is key to unlocking the best version of Spurs offense

Last season, the Spurs' best two-man pairing was Harper and Wembanyama, not Castle and Wemby. Some of that came with them playing against the opposing team's second unit, though they were similarly impactful in the playoffs.

That has a lot to do with Harper. He is the perfect hybrid of Fox's playmaking, ball control, and craftiness and Castle's physical drives to the rim. Putting all three together with Wembanyama gives them more ball-handling and playmaking around their best player and makes the Spurs offense more dangerous as a whole.

Still, there are obviously some kinks to work out. Devin Vassell, who's the team's best all-around shooter, is now playing power forward and got into foul trouble against OKC. If he struggles with fouls while guarding bigger players, then that could exacerbate their 3-point shooting woes.

That puts more pressure on Harper to further develop as a shooter. If that were to happen, then the point guard trio might actually thrive playing alongside Vassell and Wembanyama.

Harper gives Wembanyama and the starting five a new dimension

We're still early on in the 3-point guard starting lineup era, but Harper's role appears to be that of an attack dog. Someone who can put his head down, get to the paint, and score. Having Harper start and play big minutes means other teams have nowhere to hide their worst defender.

That's an underrated benefit of starting Harper. With Harper, San Antonio can hunt mismatches and put pressure on defenses while preventing teams from doubling Wembanyama.

As disjointed as things looked against the Thunder, OKC has been the NBA's best defensive team for the last two seasons. Combine that with some awful outside misses, and the Spurs' offense was bound to struggle.

A more reasonable test came against the Houston Rockets. Houston has been known to swarm Wembanyama in the paint. But the Silver and Black pushed the pace rather than relying on post-ups, so the Rockets—and other teams—can't load up on Wemby.

Going forward, Harper will be key to that offensive attack, with him able to grab and go and attack either in transition or in the half-court. Spacing remains a concern, but Harper shot well from outside late last season and will hopefully do so this season.

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