The biggest problem Dylan Harper winning Sixth Man of the Year is his own talent

ESPN released its NBA Summer Forecast, predicting every major award for the 2026-27 season. Their voting panel gave Alex Caruso the edge over Dylan Harper for Sixth Man of the Year. That seems like an odd consensus given Harper's dynamic rookie campaign, but it's not as strange when you consider how close he is to moving out of his bench role.

"[Harper] was one of the few Spurs who didn't seem awed by the stage of the NBA Finals as a rookie," senior writer Vincent Goodwill states. "His talent demands a starting role, so the dance could be delicate this season as the Spurs try to balance their lineups, especially if Harper can make a James Harden-like jump as many expect."

Dylan Harper's greatness might actually keep him from winning Sixth Man of the Year, given the chances that he won't even be a reserve for the entire season. If he makes the strides many expect, he could become a permanent starter for San Antonio.

Harper may have already outgrown the sixth-man label

There's not much standing in the way of Dylan Harper starting for San Antonio. The young guard is already an elite offensive force with his ability to drive past defenders and finish at the basket in a way few other players can. We saw it in real time: at just 19 years old, he got to the rim whenever he wanted to.

That ability to consistently get to your spots is a rare trait for such a young player. Harper didn't allow defenders to dictate his offensive attack. He was extremely comfortable regardless of the coverages thrown at him, and that was a big reason why he was so effective in the NBA Finals.

If he can pair his elite shot creation with a consistent catch-and-shoot three-pointer, it'll be impossible for Mitch Johnson to keep him on the bench. That ability to space the floor would make him a perfect fit with Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox, silencing any skeptics of their synergy.

The real prize for Harper is much bigger

Giving up consideration for a 6MOY award wouldn't be a problem for Dylan Harper. If he cracks San Antonio's starting lineup, there are some other individual accolades he could be in the running for.

With the right role and minutes, Harper has more than enough talent to put himself in the race for All-Star and All-NBA consideration. It's hard to think otherwise about a player who was the second-most consistent scorer for his team on the biggest stage in basketball.

So the NBA can give someone else the nod for 6MOY. Dylan Harper is prepared to put his days as a reserve behind him. He's one of the Spurs' most important players, and he can accomplish so much for himself and his team in a starting role.

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