NBA 2K reignites heated Dylan Harper debate Spurs can't escape

Whenever a new NBA 2K game gets released, player ratings are always a major topic of discussion. That could certainly be the case for San Antonio Spurs guards De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper.

Fox may be a two-time All-Star and on a massive contract, but he was thoroughly outplayed by a 20-year-old Harper on the NBA's biggest stage. Harper had a breakout performance in the NBA Finals.

That combined with Fox's awful play has led many to question whether Harper should be starting next season. 2K weighed in by having Harper rated an 85 compared to Fox's 84. If anything, they may have rated Harper too low.

NBA 2K reignites heated Dylan Harper debate Spurs can't escape

A higher 2K rating for Harper than Fox isn't controversial, nor is it reactionary. Harper simply played better during the playoffs than Fox. Factor in him being just 20, and the sky is the limit for Harper.

As for Fox, he got off to a hot start last season, averaging 24.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in his first 11 games after having a late start to the year. From there, it was a steady drop-off.

His shot diet relied more on pull-up mid-range jumpers and threes and less on finishing at the rim. For a while, it worked, but once his jumper stopped dropping, he was far too inconsistent.

I'm expecting him to bounce back next season and hopefully regain the burst of speed he left in Sacramento. Regaining his elite quickness would be the first step, no pun intended, to getting Fox back on track.

Dylan Harper may Spur De'Aaron Fox's bounce-back season

A Fox bounce-back season could be the best possible scenario for the Spurs. Having him play anywhere near the level he was at with the Kings would be San Antonio's best chance to dramatically improve next season.

Of course, as is internal development from Stephon Castle and Harper. All three of which could happen. Having a Fox who actually can blow by opponents and finish at the rim instead of settling for mid-range jumpers would make San Antonio all the more tough to beat.

Even with him being far slower last season, he's still ranked among the NBA's best at getting into the paint. Having him improving that area means San Antonio could have three of the best slashers in the NBA.

Harper is the better player, even if the stats don't yet reflect it, but Fox still has plenty to offer the Spurs. If Harper forces Fox to up his game, then their 2K ratings and the team's record will both improve next season.

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