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“I’m Not Mad at This at All”: Carmelo Anthony And Monica McNutt Clash Over Dylan Harper Refusing to Come Off the Bench For Spurs

Dylan Harper’s first NBA season gave him a taste of the biggest stage. And he has little interest in starting his second year on the bench. The SA Spurs guard made that clear in the GQ interview. And his blunt…

By Shahul Hameed · Essentially Sports

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 11:50 AM

Key Things to Know

Carmelo Anthony and Monica McNutt clashed over Dylan Harper publicly stating he will not come off the bench.
McNutt defended Harper's GQ interview comments as harmless ambition, while Anthony called the public remarks an unnecessary team distraction.
Harper clarified his blunt comments by stating he was joking during the interview.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Carmelo Anthony and ESPN analyst Monica McNutt debated comments made by San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper regarding his refusal to come off the bench. In a GQ interview alongside teammate Stephon Castle, Harper stated that he would not accept a bench role, though he later claimed he was joking. McNutt defended Harper's comments as casual ambition suitable for a relaxed interview setting, while Anthony argued that making such public statements could create an unnecessary distraction for the team.

San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson addressed the roster dynamics by testing a three-guard lineup that includes Harper, Castle, and veteran De'Aaron Fox, alongside Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. Harper earned significant trust during the 2026 postseason while filling in during a Fox ankle injury, finishing the campaign averaging 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

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