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By Anne Erickson
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Dylan Harper didn't look overwhelmed by the moment as a rookie.
If anything, the biggest games seemed to bring out the best in him. That's not something every young player can say, and it's a big reason he's one of the most intriguing breakout candidates heading into the fresh season.
The regular season gave Spurs fans plenty to like.
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Harper averaged 11 points, three rebounds and three assists while settling into a talented roster that already featured Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. Those numbers were solid for a first-year guard, but they only told part of the story. His confidence continued to grow as the season unfolded, and by the time the playoffs arrived, he looked like a completely different player.
That's when people really started paying attention.
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During San Antonio's run to the NBA Finals, Harper showed he wasn't afraid of the spotlight. He delivered multiple 20-point performances against elite competition, attacking the basket with confidence while knocking down timely shots when the Spurs needed another scorer. Young players often disappear when the pressure rises. Harper did the opposite.
Now comes the next step.
With a year of NBA experience behind him, Harper appears ready for a larger role in San Antonio's rotation. Swapping fun with stars like Wembanyama and Fox creates opportunities that most young guards don't get.
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The Spurs aren't asking Harper to become the face of the franchise. They already have established stars to fill that role. What they need is another dependable playmaker who can capitalize on the attention those stars command.
If his rookie postseason was any indication, Harper is more than ready for that challenge. A bigger role, greater confidence and another offseason of development could make him one of the NBA's biggest sophomore breakout stories.
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