Dylan Harper's next offensive leap will set up explosive sophomore season

Dylan Harper showed impressive levels of upside in his first season, providing the Spurs with reliable scoring off the bench. He has a bit of a way to go until he becomes the elite point guard that many believe he will be, and his next step towards that is improved playmaking.

Harper navigated a tough rookie season, trying to break through in a stacked backcourt that already featured two amazing guards. De'Aaron Fox is an All-Star, and Stephon Castle was fresh off a Rookie Of The Year run. Regardless, Dylan found his footing and established himself as an important part of their future.

Now it's time for him to take things to the next level. The Spurs have championship aspirations, and they need him to become a complete point guard to turn those hopes into a reality. His scoring chops are already tailor-made for the playoffs; his newest task is to hone his playmaking ability.

Harper must expand on the flashes he showed as a rookie

Nobody could figure out how to keep Dylan Harper out of the paint last season. In his minutes, he did an amazing job attacking defenders, getting downhill, and finishing at the rim at an elite rate. That knack for driving to the basket also drew help from the perimeter, opening up opportunities for three-point shots.

That led to an assist average of 3.9, which was solid for a rookie coming off the bench playing 22.6 minutes per night. But obviously, there are still levels he hasn't fully tapped into just yet.

He would become an even bigger threat in that area if he grows as an orchestrator in the pick-and-roll. Imagine him and Victor Wembanyama in those actions and the amount of offensive options that could come of that. It would require patience and strong decision-making, but if Harper can master that, the Spurs' offensive ceiling will be even higher than last season.

This leap could make Dylan even more dangerous in the postseason

Dylan Harper raised his game in the playoffs, averaging 14.1 points per game on 51% shooting from the floor. He was also one of San Antonio's most reliable offensive players in the Finals, scoring just over 18 points against New York.

So he's already proven he's built for the postseason, but every great player can always get better. His growth as an offensive orchestrator would make him even more dangerous on that stage. The game slows down, forcing ball handlers to get more methodical and strategic. Improved playmaking instincts would help Harper navigate those sorts of elements.

There are several other things Dylan must master in his second season. But his ability to facilitate will be a huge difference maker, helping him become a more complete offensive force. Additionally, it would make the Spurs' scoring attack more difficult to contain, bringing them a step closer to a championship.

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