The next step in Dylan Harper's game will bring the Spurs closer to a title

At the end of Dylan Harper's rookie year, it was apparent that he would soon be considered a top point guard in this league. But there are still some things in his game that he can fine-tune and perfect, and one of those is his half-court playmaking. Not only is it important for his individual development, but the Spurs need it to be even better than last season.

Now, don't get me wrong, Harper had some great moments as a facilitator in his first year. He averaged nearly four assists per game off the bench for San Antonio and ranked in the top five in the rookie class in that category.

But there's always room to get better. Harper has another level to unlock as an offensive orchestrator for the Spurs, and mastering it would bring him a step closer to superstardom.

Harper's growth can flip the script on the Spurs' biggest NBA Finals issue

San Antonio's biggest problem in the NBA Finals was fourth-quarter execution. There were several reasons for that, but one of the most notable was their lack of elite playmaking late in games. Take their Game 4 loss in New York, for example. They struggled to organize their offense, leading to a massive late-game scoring drought.

The spotlight will be on Dylan Harper to step up and ensure that's not as much of a problem next season. He was one of San Antonio's most reliable shot creators in the playoffs, so you can expect the ball to be in his hands in down-to-the-wire scenarios. He'll be even more dangerous in those stretches if he makes that leap as a playmaker.

This also raises the ceiling of the Spurs' backcourt. It's already great that Harper, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle can each punish defenses with their knack for getting to the rim. But they'll be at their best if they're sharp as elite decision-makers on the floor together. That's the true luxury of a three-guard lineup.

There's a difference between being a good passer and an elite playmaker

Dylan did throw his fair share of impressive dimes in his rookie season, but there's a difference between having great raw-passing skills and being an elite, game-changing facilitator. Ball handlers who fit the latter description know how to slow things down and survey the floor to find their opponents' weak points and punish them for it.

That's what separates great point guards from the good ones. It's not just about how well they can send the ball off to teammates. It's equally important for them to use their IQ to take complete control of the game on offense. Luckily, Dylan's already shown signs of this trait, but next season he must be prepared to do it at a higher volume.

Harper is ready to finally secure some hardware next season, whether it's a Sixth Man of the Year trophy or a championship ring. But one thing's for certain: for those things to become a reality, he must stay committed to growing his game. Becoming an elite orchestrator for the Spurs is his next big step.

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