Dylan Harper, Luke Kornet duo could immediately be Spurs' secret weapon

Few teams can match the San Antonio Spurs' talent level, especially with them ready to unleash a secret weapon involving Dylan Harper and Luke Kornet. Harper and Kornet are both crucial members of the Spurs' rotation and could serve as the backbone of the second unit.

Especially with Harper likely to see a dramatic increase in minutes this season. San Antonio's counting on him playing a larger role to potentially bolster their bench and raise their overall ceiling. However, Kornet could also play a larger role in the team's success this season.

Kornet is San Antonio's best screen setter, while Harper is arguably their best at attacking the basket. Put two and two together and they could form a potent pick-and-roll tandem.

The Dylan Harper and Luke Kornet duo may form a potent pairing

Last season, Harper wasn't tasked with playmaking, and that is an area that he could expand upon this season. Kornet could help him unlock that skill, with him having already proven to be a solid lob threat when paired with Stephon Castle.

Having Harper operate as a primary ball handler in the second unit would give him more on-ball playmaking experience in the NBA. It would also enable San Antonio to better utilize Kornets' screen-setting.

It's an element that is mostly missing from the Spurs offense, but having a strong screen setter creates plenty of space for drives to the basket and forces defenses to leave shooters open. It also gives Kornet a clear runway to the basket, freeing him up to finish lobs at the rim.

It's easy to envision Harper utilizing a Kornet screen to get downhill, draw in defenses, and spray out to open shooters. Or, Harper can get to the rim and finish through contact or find Kornet for alley oops.

Harper and Kornet may be a perfect pick-and-roll tandem

While San Antonio has Victor Wembanyama, he's bad at setting picks. Ironically, he draws so much attention when rolling to the basket, it doesn't really matter.

On the other hand, it does make it harder for the Spurs' guards to gain separation when facing talented perimeter defenders. That was the case in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.

De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Harper weren't able to get the same separation on drives, and the offense suffered as a result. Despite that, having Harper run more pick and roll in the second unit with Kornet could help San Antonio's offensive thrive when Wembanyama is off the floor.

Winning the non-Wembanyama minutes is crucial to the Spurs' success. Great teams normally fall apart when their best player is on the bench, but the Silver and Black could build upon leads rather than coughing them up.

Thus, San Antonio would be wise to utilize his talents by having him operate as the primary playmaker off the bench, especially when paired with Kornet.

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