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Spurs' Harper Earns Ginobili's Praise

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/19/spurs-harper-earns-ginobili-s-praise.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 0:39 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Texas, Oklahoma, UNITED STATES

San Antonio, TX - February 19th, 2026 - San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper is rapidly establishing himself as a key component of the team's future, and his progress is being closely monitored by one of the franchise's most iconic figures: four-time NBA champion Manu Ginobili. Recent comments from Ginobili, made after observing Harper during the 2024 Summer League in Las Vegas, offer a compelling look at the young guard's potential and the areas where he needs to focus to achieve sustained success in the league.

Harper, selected 18th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, has already demonstrated a skillset that deviates from the traditional mold of a point guard. Ginobili highlighted Harper's impressive offensive instincts, noting his comfort handling the ball, a reliable shooting touch, and a keen ability to read the floor and create opportunities for teammates. This versatility, Ginobili suggests, is a significant asset in the modern NBA where positional definitions are becoming increasingly fluid. Harper isn't simply looking to score; he's demonstrating the court vision and passing acumen necessary to become a true playmaker.

During his Summer League appearances, Harper averaged a respectable 11.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, numbers that while not earth-shattering, painted a picture of a well-rounded player capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game. However, Ginobili rightfully points out that offensive proficiency is only one piece of the puzzle.

"Defense, obviously," Ginobili stated, underscoring the crucial need for Harper to improve on the defensive end. "He's got to get stronger, tougher. He's still learning how to guard people." This is a common hurdle for rookies entering the physically demanding world of the NBA. The leap in competition from college or international play to the professional level necessitates a significant increase in strength, agility, and defensive awareness. Sources within the Spurs organization confirm that Harper has been working diligently with the team's strength and conditioning coaches to address these concerns.

Beyond simply improving physical attributes, defensive improvement requires a commitment to understanding opposing players' tendencies, mastering defensive rotations, and consistently applying effort on every possession. The Spurs, historically known for their defensive prowess under Gregg Popovich (now enjoying a consulting role with the team), place a premium on this aspect of the game, and Harper will undoubtedly be held to a high standard.

Rebounding was also identified as an area for growth. While Harper's 4.7 rebounds per game in Summer League aren't negligible for a guard, consistent rebounding from the perimeter can be a game-changer, providing extra possessions and limiting opponents' second-chance opportunities.

Despite these areas for improvement, Ginobili's overall assessment remains overwhelmingly positive. "He's got a bright future," the Argentinian legend proclaimed. "He's got the potential to be a really good player." This endorsement carries significant weight, given Ginobili's own illustrious career and his exceptional understanding of the game. His ability to dissect a player's strengths and weaknesses is renowned, and his insights are highly valued within the Spurs organization.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025-2026 season, and beyond, the Spurs appear committed to providing Harper with the opportunity to develop at his own pace. While he is currently playing a rotational role, coaches are praising his willingness to learn and his coachability. The team's rebuild is centered around young talent, and Harper is seen as a foundational piece alongside Victor Wembanyama. Analysts are predicting a significant leap in Harper's production next season, with expectations he'll be vying for a starting role by the 2026-2027 campaign.

The Spurs' front office believes Harper's combination of offensive skill and potential for defensive improvement makes him a uniquely valuable asset. They envision him evolving into a versatile guard capable of initiating the offense, creating scoring opportunities for himself and others, and contributing defensively. If Harper continues to heed the advice of veterans like Ginobili and dedicates himself to honing his craft, the Spurs may have found a future star.