As the San Antonio Spurs gear up for an exciting 2026/27 campaign, head coach Gregg Popovich and his staff face a high-class dilemma in the backcourt. With veteran All-NBA star De’Aaron Fox and rising sophomore standout Stephon Castle anchoring the rotation, second-year guard Dylan Harper finds himself locked in a fierce three-player battle for two primary starting guard positions.
While Fox brings elite veteran poise and clutch scoring, and Castle continues to evolve into a lockdown defender and dynamic playmaker, Harper possesses a unique path to securing a permanent, high-volume role. The secret to separating himself from his backcourt competitors? Transforming his perimeter jumper into an elite weapon.
Navigating a Crowded Backcourt
The long-term vision in San Antonio has always pointed toward a tantalizing future where Fox, Castle, and Harper share the floor together. With towering frames at 6’1′ (Fox), 6’5′ (Castle), and 6’6′ (Harper), the trio boasts the positional size and defensive length to overwhelm opponents. Furthermore, Harper proved during his debut campaign that he belongs in the rotation, pushing for high-leverage minutes after showing flashes of brilliance as a rookie.
However, sharing the floor is easier said than done in the modern NBA. While Fox remains the team’s engine and Castle continues to round out his offensive game, none of the three guards have established themselves as knockdown, reliable three-point shooters.
Through nine professional seasons, Fox has hovered around a career 33.1 percent clip from beyond the arc. Castle has similarly posted percentages around 28.5 and 33.2 over his first two years, while Harper shot 34.3 percent as a rookie—matching his 33.3 percent mark from college and his postseason run.
The Spacing Dilemma Around Wembanyama
For a franchise built entirely around the generational brilliance of Victor Wembanyama, floor spacing is non-negotiable. Operating around a unicorn big man requires shooters who can punish defenses for collapsing into the paint. When a lineup features multiple below-average perimeter shooters, opposing defenses can easily sag off, clogging driving lanes and stifling the flow of the offense.
This spacing hurdle is precisely why alternative starters like Julian Champagnie and Devin Vassell remain vital options for spacing the floor. If Harper wants to force his way into playing heavy minutes alongside both Castle and Fox—or carve out an undisputed starting spot—he must provide the floor-stretching gravity that his backcourt peers currently lack.
Interestingly, the foundation for that leap is already within reach. According to metrics from Basketball Index, Harper ranked in the 93rd percentile in three-point shot quality last season. That elite shot selection proves he is getting clean, open looks; it is simply a matter of converting those opportunities with consistent efficiency.
Unlocking an Unstoppable Ceiling
If Harper can refine his mechanics and take that next step as a perimeter threat, the tactical ripple effect for the Spurs will be massive. A reliable outside jumper would instantly make him undeniable, rendering any concerns about three-guard lineups obsolete and giving Popovich the freedom to play his best playmakers together without sacrificing spacing.
As training camp unfolds, the battle for the backcourt will undoubtedly heat up. For Dylan Harper, the road to superstardom and a cornerstone role in San Antonio doesn’t run through fighting for touches—it runs straight through the gym, perfecting the jump shot that can change everything.
Do you think Dylan Harper will make the necessary leap as a three-point shooter to lock down a permanent starting spot for the Spurs this season?
