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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.

Yard Barker

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

Key Things to Know

Carmelo Anthony and Monica McNutt debated Dylan Harper's public comments about refusing to come off the Spurs' bench.
Harper told GQ that he would not come off the bench before clarifying he was joking.
Anthony argued such remarks should stay behind closed doors to avoid potential team distractions.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Carmelo Anthony and ESPN's Monica McNutt debated comments made by San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper regarding his role heading into his second NBA season. In a GQ interview alongside teammate Stephon Castle, Harper initially stated that he would not come off the bench before later clarifying that he was joking. While McNutt defended the relaxed setting of the interview, Anthony argued that such comments could create an unnecessary team distraction if the season goes poorly.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson has explored different rotations, including starting Harper alongside Castle and De'Aaron Fox in a three-guard lineup during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. Harper previously impressed the coaching staff during the 2026 postseason after Fox was sidelined with an ankle injury, finishing his campaign averaging 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

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