Second-year players are expected to make a leap after going through their first season. Dylan Harper of the Spurs might be in a different category, as his leap could be bigger than most people are ready for.
Harper came into his rookie year looking more advanced than most rookies. But it largely went unnoticed during the regular season because he was coming off the bench. He only started four games and averaged 22.6 minutes per game, averaging 11.8 points and 3.9 assists and finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. He struggled from three for most of the year, but in the last 21 games, he shot 53.6 percent on 2.7 attempts.
As the playoffs began, Harper’s shooting didn’t carry over, but he remained a consistent source of good basketball for the Spurs. It didn’t matter what defender was in front of him; he could get to the rim at will and finish. And as many of his teammates struggled in the finals, he shined. He was second in scoring for San Antonio, averaging 18 points per game, and his minutes went up to 31 per contest during the series.
This coming season, Harper should receive a larger role from the Spurs despite De’Aaron Fox playing in front of him. Coach Mitch Johnson has the luxury of pairing him with Fox or Stephon Castle—at times, playing all three together.
Harper may still come off the bench, but there are more minutes out there for him, especially if he can become a more consistent shooter like he was at the end of the regular season.
Harper came into his rookie season not playing like a rookie and after the run he had in the Finals, expect him to make a major leap next season that goes beyond just a rookie into his sophomore season.