Dylan Harper has had a productive rookie season for the San Antonio Spurs, and he credits one veteran for setting the tone, leading to both team and individual success.
Had Dylan Harper been drafted to any other team, he would be the franchise centerpiece. However, he wound up on the San Antonio Spurs, and slotted in behind Stephopn Castle and De'Aaron Fox, and has spent much of his rookie season coming off the bench.
By all accounts, he has taken it in stride. The Spurs knew he had the highest upside of any player not named Cooper Flagg, and despite playing a smaller role, he has found success.
Averaging 11.8 points and 3.9 assists per game, his improved shooting from 3-point range has propelled him from eighth man to one of the best backup guards in the NBA. The Spurs are not a veteran team, but one surprising player has spent the season showing the ropes.
Victor Wembanyama Emerges As Veteran Leader
Despite only being in the NBA for three seasons and only playing in two and a half of them, Victor Wembanyama has quickly established himself as the tone-setter in San Antonio.
Of course, as the franchise centerpiece, it's easy to be a dominant personality, but Harper thinks his teammate--also a member of the young core--is the leader on and off the court.
"The basketball gods just reward him every day," said Harper of Wembanyama. "I think just the way he comes in, his attitude, his approach to everything is probably the most mature I've seen at anyone his age. And being around all these guys, I think from one to 15, I think that's why we've been so good, because of our approach. And he was kind of the one to lead it at first."
This season, the Spurs have followed Wembanyama. When he made it clear that he doesn't like Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the rest of the Spurs were happy to kick things up a notch against them. When he started campaigning for the MVP award, his teammates propped him up.
It's clear that Wembanyama is one of the most competitive players in the league, and the Spurs have a long runway in front of them, even as they exceed expectations and charge towards the playoffs.
"I think everyone in the league is on notice," Harper added.