Imagine a basketball prodigy like Victor Wembanyama not just dominating the court, but evolving into a versatile force that could redefine the San Antonio Spurs' future—while his potential sidekick, rookie sensation Dylan Harper, steps in to unlock even more magic. This preseason buzz around Wemby has fans and analysts buzzing, but here's where it gets intriguing: Could Harper really become the perfect partner to elevate Wembanyama to legendary status? Let's dive into the details and explore why this pairing might just be the Spurs' secret weapon.
What exactly defines Victor Wembanyama's style of play? That's arguably the NBA's hottest topic right now, particularly with him giving us tantalizing previews of his talents during this preseason (as covered in this insightful NYT Athletic piece: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6697880/2025/10/08/victor-wembanyama-highlights-spurs-preseason-role/). After just five games, the 21-year-old Spurs standout appears transformed, adept at handling multiple roles on the floor with a fluidity that's turning heads.
For a long time, Wembanyama's growth was seen as a solo journey. But a fortuitous lottery pick in 2025 brought the No. 2 overall selection, Dylan Harper, to San Antonio, paving the way for a dual-star strategy that could shape the franchise for years to come. Zooming out to the big picture, Harper stands out as the most promising player on the roster to potentially share All-Star spotlight with Wembanyama in about seven seasons. Take De'Aaron Fox, who recently inked a lucrative max extension (detailed here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6533164/2025/08/04/deaaron-fox-spurs-contract-extension-max/) after his midseason swap from the Sacramento Kings; he'll be 28 this year and nearing the twilight of his peak when Wembanyama hits his stride. Then there's Stephon Castle, the 20-year-old who snagged Rookie of the Year honors last season in a thin draft, but his performance didn't scream the kind of breakout that guarantees stardom.
Harper, on the other hand, seems poised to be the key that unleashes Wembanyama's fullest potential down the line. And this is the part most people miss—how early preseason dynamics are already hinting at that synergy.
With Fox, Castle, and another guard sidelined at the start of preseason, Wembanyama had to orchestrate the Spurs' offense as the main facilitator. Now, with Harper and Castle back in the mix, he's shifted more toward a dominant power forward role. Despite dazzling crowds, Wembanyama remains an enigma; even his teammates admit they're still figuring out his next moves in any given play.
'We've spent a lot of time in the gym this offseason figuring out Victor's preferred spots and how to position me for success,' shared teammate Keldon Johnson. 'He's truly unique, and building that rapport just takes some time.'
The real puzzle emerges when reviewing Wembanyama's preseason footage: How much of his bold, aggressive style will carry over into the grind of the regular season? Defenses will tighten up, bringing more intensity, coordination, and physicality. Will he keep bulldozing to the rim with that relentless drive? Can he keep lowering his shoulder to create openings against stiffer resistance? And will his dribbling hold up in heavier traffic? He's already dealing with plenty of turnovers, and while he's clearly experimenting with the skills he honed over the summer, it's tough to picture him maintaining this high level of involvement every night without adjustments.
One clear shift stands out: He's ditching the long-range shots. Wembanyama is bypassing decent three-point opportunities in preseason, opting only for wide-open ones. Instead, he's focusing on exploiting space to crash the basket with more purpose.
(Check out this highlight video for a visual: https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2025/10/15202507/3.mp4)
Last year, Wembanyama averaged over twice as many threes per game (8.8) compared to free throws (4.1). But in his first four preseason outings, that pattern has reversed dramatically, with just 2.3 three-point tries and 5.75 free throw attempts per game.
If this signals his path forward, then Harper's role in the equation becomes even more critical—and potentially sooner than expected. As a rookie point guard hailing from Rutgers, Harper looks like the ideal counterpart for this evolving version of the Spurs' star, with the chance to develop in tandem for a seamless long-term connection. Harper's been touted as a future star for years, but his summer league struggles temporarily dimmed hopes that he'd match the immediate spark of Wembanyama or Castle.
Yet, since recovering from thumb surgery in September (as reported here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6603063/2025/09/05/dylan-harper-spurs-injury-finger-surgery-nba/), Harper has flashed signs of reclaiming that star trajectory in his NBA debut. 'There's a reason people had high expectations for him before he arrived,' noted coach Mitch Johnson about Harper. 'Our role is to nurture that, back it up, and push him. He's already demonstrated smart decision-making and creativity with the ball.'
In his two preseason games, the 19-year-old is averaging 10.0 points, 5.5 assists, and just one turnover in about 20 minutes. He exudes patience and poise compared to his jittery summer league stint, which his coach links to nerves and the gap between his March college season end and July's summer league. For beginners in basketball analysis, this means Harper's learning to stay calm under pressure, avoiding rushed mistakes that can derail young players.
Harper impresses with his knack for spotting attack angles and making sophisticated reads on the court—skills that typically take rookies longer to master. One standout trait is his looping drive, where he controls the contact point with defenders to create space. If trapped, he's adept at quick outlets and directing teammates for reversals.
He also meshes well with backup center Luke Kornet in traditional pick-and-roll setups. Kornet excels at timing his rolls to open passing lanes and pausing to survey the floor, complementing Harper's ability to draw defenders and thread precise passes. For those new to the game, a pick-and-roll is like a chess move where one player screens to free another, creating scoring chances.
Harper shines in subtle advantages, like against the Indiana Pacers' press, where he anticipates Kornet's screen timing to slip into position and deliver an easy pass.
(Here's a video illustrating that: https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2025/10/15202930/4.mp4)
This bodes well for Harper as an off-the-bench conductor once Fox returns, actively shaping plays even as a freshman.
Long-term, Harper's main value beside Wembanyama is simplifying the game for him and using Wemby's gravitational pull to disrupt opponents. Early signs are encouraging: Since Harper's comeback, Wembanyama has sunk 16 of 17 free throws and ramped up his dribble-drive aggression. Sure, turnovers persist, but that's fine as Wembanyama explores his limits.
Harper, for his part, has settled into his role confidently. Take this play as an example—it showcases his strengths and areas for growth with Wembanyama. After a blocked initial pick-and-roll, Harper swings the ball to Kornet and cues wing Devin Vassell for a handoff potential. When that gets stifled, Harper darts in—but overlooks an open Wembanyama at the rim.
(The clip: https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2025/10/15202718/5-1.mp4)
Point guards must constantly assess spacing, solve floor puzzles, and decide when to attack. Harper's ahead for his age, though improvements are needed. But here's where it gets controversial: Is building around a dual-franchise core like this truly the way forward for the Spurs, or could it dilute individual development? Some argue it fosters synergy, while others fear it might cap personal growth. What do you think—does Harper have the star power to stand alongside Wembanyama, or is this pairing overrated? Share your takes in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own spin on the Spurs' future!
