Early NBA predictions are in, and most are bullish on the San Antonio Spurs and their revamped campaign for a title. It’s not just their “Alien,” Victor Wembanyama, getting all the love, but also their incoming sophomore, Dylan Harper.
Victor Wembanyama leads a pack of young Spurs who had an incredible run to the NBA Finals in 2026. They may have lost to the New York Knicks, but critics believe they are ready to bounce back.
For starters, bookmakers have the Spurs tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best odds to win the title.
Wemby is also projected to collect some hardware, as he sits atop the list of predictions for the 2027 Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
His supporting cast is also being put on people’s radar. ESPN ranked Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle in the top three candidates to win the Most Improved Player Award. Harper is in third place with 21 points, while Castle is No. 1 with 34 points. Both players were lottery picks.
Castle, the 2024 No. 5 pick, won the Rookie of the Year award, while Harper was named to the All-Rookie First Team as the Spurs’ No. 2 pick last year.
Harper impressed during the last playoffs, and there are even calls for him to be inserted into the starting five in place of All-Star De’Aaron Fox.
May 15, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shakes hands with San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesDylan Harper on what he needs to improveIt looks like there are no plans for the Spurs to demote Fox. The latest report says the team is not ready to part ways with the two-time All-Star.
Harper is working hard regardless. He refuses to speak about the possibility of earning a starting spot, although his teammate has been doing the talking for him.
He will let his game speak for itself.
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper speaks to the media after game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn ImagesThe 20-year-old guard said he is honing his craft this summer, with a particular focus on his mental skills. He has also turned to his father, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, for guidance.
“I feel like his biggest message to me was to stay composed and stay poised. He understands the work I’ve put in on a day-to-day basis, so for him, what he told me was just stay ready, be ready when the time comes, and I feel like that’s the type of mindset I’ve had all year,” Harper said.
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