Dylan Harper should learn Tony Parker's secret to unstoppable paint scoring

While NBA fans are still trying to pick up their collective jaws after Dylan Harper's astonishing playoff performance, the second-year guard is hungry to get even better. He's ready to make a massive offensive leap, and taking after a former Spurs star should help. Dylan should add Tony Parker's deadly floater to his already vast scoring arsenal.

The similarities between Parker and Harper are already difficult to ignore. They're lightning-quick ball-handlers who gave opposing defenses headaches with their ability to get downhill and finish in the paint. Tony made a living from this style of play, and it's a huge reason why he's one of the winningest point guards in league history.

But it wasn't just his layup package that did the trick. Parker's patented floater was a weapon that opponents had no answer for. Dylan should study his film and perfect this unique shot so he's even more of a threat for the Spurs next season.

A dominant floater will round out Harper's paint attack

Every top-five pick from the 2025 NBA Draft has a defining skill. For Cooper Flagg, it's his videogame-like athleticism. For Kon Knueppel, his lethal long-distance shooting sets him apart from the rest of the class. When talking about Dylan Harper, the first thing that should come to mind is his knack for finishing at the rim.

The young guard drove past opponents in half-court or transition with ease, embarrassing interior defenders with creative layups or dunks. He's so good at scoring through contact or creating space with his veteran-like footwork.

But Harper can still improve his in-between game, which will be important as he takes on larger ball-handling duties next season. Perfecting that Parker floater could do the trick. This would make him dangerous as a pick-and-roll orchestrator, allowing him to punish defenders in deep drop coverage. It's the perfect counter to how coaches will likely try to game plan against him.

Interior defenses across the league should get better this summer

A part of growing into an All-Star-caliber player is keeping up with the trends of the rest of the league. This summer, several teams significantly boosted their interior defenses. Ball clubs like the Lakers, Thunder, Jazz, Heat, and Celtics added players to their rosters who can protect the paint at a high level.

These are all potential opponents the Spurs could meet in the playoffs or NBA Finals. Harper must expand his scoring arsenal in case these sorts of teams deter him from scoring so effectively at the rim.

In the 2005-06 season, Tony Parker led the league in paint points despite the lane being clogged by centers. His floater was a cheat code that allowed him to finish over the outstretched arms of bigger defenders. If it worked for him in that era, it could definitely work for Harper next season.

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