Latest Dylan Harper prediction is sure to thrill Spurs fans if it comes true

With rising star Dylan Harper now officially a part of the San Antonio Spurs starting lineup, he could be in for a strong season, especially if predictions come true. According to Basketball Reference, which does stat projections for every NBA player, they expect Harper to average 19.2 points and 6.1 assists and shoot a respectable 36% from three.

While those are only projections, if he is anywhere near as good as that, San Antonio could be a true powerhouse this season. In fact, if he shoots 36% from three on high volume, then the Spurs' 3-point guard starting lineup could have enough spacing to thrive.

Judging by his preseason performance, especially against the Sacramento Kings, he appears more than ready to make a big leap this season.

Dylan Harper could be in for a breakout season for

If Basketball Reference's projections ring true, then Harper could overtake De'Aaron Fox as the Spurs' second-leading scorer this season and Stephon Castle as the second-best player on the team. That doesn't necessarily mean that Fox and Castle won't have better years than last season.

However, it could mean that Harper makes a massive jump in terms of production. A potential eight-point jump isn't anything to sneeze at and could make a team that won 62 games and went to the NBA Finals last season even better this year.

To do that, he'll need more opportunities, and that's likely why coach Mitch Johnson is opting to start him. After playing an impressive 11.8 points in just 22.6 minutes last season, playing him 30+ minutes per game this season could give him the runway he needs to take off.

The Spurs are counting on Dylan Harper taking the next step

Starting three point guards together hinges on two of them being able to play off-ball. Harper has shown the most promise of the three as a 3-point shooter. Remember, he is connecting on 48.6% of his threes over the last 30 games of the regular season on 2.5 attempts per game.

Basketball Reference projects that we will attempt 4.2 threes per game this season. If true, then he might just make the leap that we all hope he'll make. He already has an elite ability to get to the rim, and his physicality and craft finishing in the paint are rare for someone who is just 20 years old.

If he can be a reliable three-point shooter, then he could easily be San Antonio's second best player this season. With Harper now starting, Basketball Reference's projected stat line seems much more attainable.

If he can live up to those expectations, then that may be all San Antonio needs to win a championship this season.

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