A top-level rookie in passing control? Harper becomes the youngest 20+5+5+0 guard in the NBA

One week into the season, if I were to choose the most amazing rookie in the 2025 class, it would definitely be Edgecombe.

However, if I were to choose the most experienced player, it would definitely be Dylan Harper. He may grow into the second generation of stars in the future, second only to Curry and Thompson. Harper can be called a top-level rookie in controlling passes!

Harper came off the bench in all three games, but averaged 26 minutes per game, ranking fourth in the Spurs. For a rookie to be treated like this by the Spurs is enough to show how strong Harper's immediate combat ability is.

In the first game against the Mavericks,

Harper made 7 of 14 shots, 1 of 2 three-pointers, 0 of 2 free throws, and scored 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists;

In the second game against the Pelicans,

Harper made 3 of 12 shots, 1 of 5 three-pointers, and 6 of 6 free throws. 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal;

In the third game against the Nets,

Harper made 8 of 11 shots, 4 of 4 free throws, and scored 20 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 0 turnovers; Harper became the youngest guard in NBA history to score 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 0 turnovers.

Averaging 26 minutes per game, Harper scored 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1 steal, shooting 48.6% from the field and 28.6% from the three-point range. It can be seen from the data that his current scoring relies more on breakthrough layups.

Harper is very good at defensive counterattacks. When he advances with the ball, he can intelligently discern the breakthrough route, and then use the European step to score the ball. Harper's finishing ability is very strong, and he is not afraid of physical confrontation. He can twist and hit the ball while losing balance during the confrontation, and he can also cause fouls, which is commendable.

Harper's control ability is very mature. The opponent cannot force him to passively stop the ball. He makes him comfortable on the offensive end and can organize the offense at his own pace.

Harper plays very smart and rarely competes with his opponents one-on-one. He mostly calls his teammates to cover, and uses the screen and his own rhythm changes to make it easy for Harper to get rid of the defense.

His passing vision seems to be innate, and he can always find his teammates immediately. With Harper here, the Spurs can play many kinds of pick-and-roll cooperation and offensive tactics.

Harper's aggressiveness on the defensive end also makes him very suitable to play next to Wenban. His size and wingspan, as well as his willingness to defend, can help him become an offensive and defensive defender. Against the Nets, Harper was absolutely dominant in the matchup with Deming. Unlike Deming, who couldn't break through and could only shoot three-pointers, Harper crushed him in all aspects.

Although the Spurs lineup still has De'Aaron Fox who has not returned yet, and Fox has the advantage in terms of ability, in my opinion, Harper is more suitable for this Spurs than Fox in terms of game perception.

Of course, even if Fox returns, Harper can remain on the bench and serve as a sixth man, which will not affect Harper's game too much.

Today's Spurs are really full of talent. Building a team with these three as the core of Wenbanyama, Castle, and Harper has given fans hope of revival. Next, what Harper needs to do is to slowly polish his skills and stabilize the three-point shooting at around 35%, which is basically enough.