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Spurs’ Dylan Harper jokes about bench role, but backcourt puzzle is real

“I ain’t coming off no bench.” That was Dylan Harper’s answer when GQ asked whether he expected to remain a reserve for the Spurs. He was joking, as he later made clear.

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 12:58 AM
Spurs’ Dylan Harper jokes about bench role, but backcourt puzzle is real
Key Things to Know
  • Dylan Harper addressed his potential Spurs reserve role with humor in GQ before clarifying his flexibility at media day.
  • Spurs coach Mitch Johnson must resolve backcourt rotation decisions involving Harper, Stephon Castle, and De'Aaron Fox.
  • Castle and Harper each expressed willingness to accept either starting or bench roles as decided by the coaching staff.
The Story in 60 Seconds

San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper joked in an interview with GQ about remaining a reserve, highlighting an upcoming rotation dilemma for the team. Harper, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle all share playmaking and ball-handling capabilities, leaving head coach Mitch Johnson to determine starting and closing backcourt lineups among only two conventional starting guard spots.

At Spurs media day, Harper noted he is happy in whatever role the coaches decide, while Castle expressed similar flexibility regarding starts. Fox and Johnson both reportedly expect to see combinations featuring all three guards playing together on the floor during games.

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