The San Antonio Spurs Media day supplied a number of sudden updates on the harm entrance. It was beforehand thought that De’Aaron Fox would lead the Spurs backcourt on opening night time, regardless of a hamstring harm this summer season. San Antonio was additionally anticipated to be with out its prized rookie, Dylan Harper, after an offseason thumb harm. It seems the alternative of these two expectations is true. Harper advised reporters he thinks he might play within the preseason, whereas Fox mentioned he might not be cleared for opening night time.
This week ESPN reported that Harper must be cleared for San Antonio’s first recreation towards the Dallas Mavericks, whereas Fox could also be sidelined. Dropping both of the guards is an enormous blow to the Spurs, however not having each would deplete the groups guard depth completely. With out Fox, Harper turns into the de-facto lead guard alongside former Rookie of the Yr, Stephon Citadel.
Dropping Fox for any stretch of the common season is an enormous deal. He’s a former All-Star and is nice for 20+ factors and 5+ assists each night time. Nonetheless, the way in which the Spurs are dealing with this portrays confidence in Harper to fill these sneakers whereas the veteran will get again to full well being. Fox mentioned he feels able to play now, and the ESPN report indicated that the Spurs are being as cautious as attainable to not rush him again from harm too quickly. They wouldn’t do this in the event that they didn’t assume Harper and Citadel might step in.
Harper was already considerably of a swing participant for the Spurs this season, and will develop into much more so if Fox goes to overlook an prolonged time frame to begin the season. If the rookie’s mixture of scoring chops off the bounce, ground imaginative and prescient and ending across the rim translate to the following degree, the Spurs may have one other high-level ball-handler and scorer to go with Victor Wembanyama. If Fox is out for any time frame, his skill to do these issues could possibly be the distinction between the group beginning above .500 or under it.
That mentioned, it’s no assure that Harper begins the season within the beginning lineup. With Fox out, the Spurs will want guard play off the bench. The following “level guard” choice behind Fox, Citadel and Harper is Jordan McLaughlin, who performed simply over 6 minutes a recreation final season. The chances are high that both Citadel or Harper takes on main guard duties within the first unit, and Mitch Johnson staggers their minutes to offer the Spurs sufficient ball dealing with all through the sport. Citadel might get the beginning nod given his “veteran” standing, and his familiarity with Wembanyama.
Harper nonetheless has a vital position to play, whether or not within the first 5 or off the bench. That position is way greater with Fox out. Sadly for the rookie, he gained’t have time to ease into his first little bit of NBA motion. The Spurs have playoff expectations this season, and in a crowded Western Convention, each recreation issues for seeding. Harper must play properly early if the Spurs wish to get off to a superb begin with out their All-Star guard.
