Spurs have primed Dylan Harper to become an All-Star after coming off the bench

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper is in the midst of a breakout season, potentially making him a first-time All-Star. Through 12 games, Harper is averaging an impressive 18.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.

Not only that, but he is shooting a ridiculous 83.7% from within three feet of the rim and connecting on 35% of his threes. That's impressive and could result in him being named a first-time All-Star this season, especially if the Spurs have a strong record.

Last season, Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox both made the All-Star team. Nevertheless, Harper could replace Fox this season, again giving San Antonio two representatives.

It's almost hard to believe that Harper was coming off the bench and averaging just 22.6 minutes per game last season. Despite that, starting has given him the opportunity to show what he can really do.

Dylan Harper is well-positioned to be a first-time All-Star

If Harper emerges as an All-Star, it would be a huge deal for the Spurs. He is already their second-leading scorer this season, and him making the All-Star team may solidify him as being better than both Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox.

Some fans suspected this would eventually be the case, but it may be happening far sooner than expected. Castle is still adapting to his new role, while Fox hasn't prioritized scoring, allowing Harper to take the offensive reins from them.

Thus far, he has more than done so, with him clearly being San Antonio's second-best player. If that remains the case, then San Antonio could have a 20-year-old All-Star helping to carry a potential 60-win team. That would be incredibly rare, but it shows Harper's true potential.

Spurs have positioned Dylan Harper to be an All-Star this season

It's not a coincidence that Harper is playing more minutes than Wembanyama, Castle, and Fox. Coach Mitch Johnson is making a point to play him as much as possible this season.

He likely knows that his breakout is the biggest potential difference between last year and this year's team. Harper playing nine minutes more per game has resulted in his scoring increasing by more than six points per game.

Once he fully adjusts to starting, he could be even better. His 3-point shooting has already improved despite a rough start to the season.

If he continues to shoot at least 35% from three on around 3.5 3-point attempts per game and a blistering 83% at the rim, then he can easily average around 20 points.

That would solidify his case as a potential all-star. More importantly, he may provide Wembanyama a long-term co-star to potentially win championships with.

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