The San Antonio Spurs enter the upcoming season with a crowded backcourt that includes All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and newly drafted Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. After securing the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Spurs added Harper to their lineup, enhancing their depth but also creating questions about the rotation.

Potential Shifts in Playing Time and Positions

Fox is expected to remain the Spurs’ starting point guard, with Castle likely to occupy the other backcourt spot. Initially, Harper will come off the bench, but as he potentially outperforms expectations, the Spurs may have to adjust their lineup. Given Harper’s 6-foot-6 frame, he could temporarily start at small forward, provided he adds enough strength to compete at that position. This move could help the Spurs maximize talent on the floor, particularly with Fox’s recent trade acquisition still fresh in the team’s plans.

Harper’s Development Could Affect Fox’s Future in San Antonio

One Western Conference scout conveyed to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo that if Harper’s 3-point shooting evolves into a reliable weapon, it could render Fox expendable and increase Harper’s trade value for the Spurs.

“If the 3-point shot ever becomes a true weapon [for Harper], he makes Fox expendable and gives San Antonio a nice trade asset,” —Western Conference scout

During his freshman year at Rutgers, Harper struggled to maintain consistency beyond the arc, shooting 33 percent on about five attempts per game. His performance in the Las Vegas Summer League also offered limited evidence of improvement, going 1-for-8 from three-point range in two games. While the sample size is small, Harper’s shooting mechanics suggest he could develop into a worthy long-range threat in time.

Contract Situations and Implications for Trades

Fox enters the 2025-26 season on the final year of his contract and is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2026. The Spurs have indicated hope of extending Fox before free agency, but Harper’s progression could influence that plan. Should Harper develop faster than expected, Fox might become a trade candidate once again by the February deadline, allowing San Antonio to address roster needs beyond their backcourt.

What Harper’s Arrival Means for the Spurs’ Roster Strategy

The presence of Harper pushes the Spurs into a complex, but favorable position. They face decisions about balancing their talented guards while finding the best fit around star big man Victor Wembanyama. Possible scenarios include Harper serving as the Sixth Man early in his career if Fox stays, or Harper surpassing Castle and causing a lineup shuffle. The Spurs’ abundance of guard talent offers them flexibility, but also challenges in managing minutes and roles as the season progresses.