Dylan Harper's potential with the Spurs hinges on something he can't control

The San Antonio Spurs have a potential superstar on their hands with Dylan Harper, but his path to greatness may be affected by something out of his control. Even as the Spurs' third or fourth-best player, Harper is expected to come off the bench again this season, and his playing time will likely be capped as a result.

He will still play a big role, but for a second overall pick to potentially play less than 30 minutes per game is highly unusual. Then again, so is a player of his caliber playing behind an All-Star in De'Aaron Fox and a rising star in Stephon Castle.

With the trio having yet to prove they can play alongside each other, Harper will have to first pay his dues. That could negatively affect his production, but he will still make a big impact this season.

The Spurs need Dylan Harper to thrive in a smaller role

Although he might not be able to play big minutes in a second season, Harper was still likely to play much more than he did last year. Going from 22.6 minutes to say 28.5 minutes would still give Harper plenty of time to show his superstar potential.

As would giving Harper the keys to the second unit and having him in attack mode when he comes into the game. He had some of that freedom but not nearly enough of it as a rookie last season.

Last season, he wasn't asked to do much beyond simply getting buckets in limited minutes. He was perfectly suited for that role, but he is capable of far more. This season, I expect him to do more shot creation, which could further grow his game and serve as a stepping stone to much more.

Still, his primary objective is to get buckets in droves with the second unit, and he gives San Antonio something that another team can't say they have. Keldon Johnson is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, but this season Harper could very well win the award, giving San Antonio two super subs.

Dylan Harper is auditioning for a larger role

Having them, Tobias Harris and Luke Kornet in the second unit could give the Spurs a huge advantage. Teams are already getting hammered by the starting five, but Harper could give them a massive edge needed to win a championship.

Harper coming off the bench this season may limit his role, but the end goal is for him to eventually replace Fox in the starting five. Fox was a shell of his former self last season, but he still made the All-Star team and should be motivated to avenge his NBA Finals meltdown.

Harper may not like his role in the second unit but could also have motivation to prove why he should start. There may not be a traditional training camp battle between he and Fox.

However, they could push each other, something the Spurs should hope for with both potentially being better for it. Harper may not ultimately control his playing time, but he can control his play, and the better he plays, the better the Spurs will be for it.

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