Public denial! Harper's father refutes rumors of demanding a starting spot from the Spurs: A position must be earned through performance

On June 21, Beijing time, since the end of the 2025-26 season, Dylan Harper's trajectory has been among the most discussed matters of the offseason. The public has been clamoring for the second overall pick from last year's draft to be promoted to the starting five, and recent whispers that Harper's representatives "requested a starting role" have further fueled the debate. But Ron Harper, Dylan's father, promptly saw these rumors and publicly refuted them in no uncertain terms.

Ron Harper wrote: "Stop spreading that! It's completely false. A player shouldn't ask for a position—a position is earned through performance..." Whether this is good or bad depends on one's perspective regarding Fox. Some fans believe the team no longer needs Fox and that his presence would hinder Harper's growth; others see value in keeping the three-guard lineup and trust that Fox will perform better next season.

Ron Harper, a five-time NBA champion with the Bulls, did not calm the internal debate about Fox. Spurs fans continue to argue: What role should Fox play, and does the team still need him? But his statement completely eliminated another concern. If Harper and his son share the same mindset, it further confirms Dylan's steady character—he has no desire to create internal conflict or distract the team.

And this is precisely one of the most admirable qualities of San Antonio's rising star.

Keeping both Harper and Fox might actually be the best solution for the Spurs. As long as both players stay level-headed, fulfill their respective roles, and avoid being driven by ego, working together is the optimal choice at this stage. Even though Stephen Castle and Dylan Harper are exceptionally talented, they are still very young and will inevitably show inexperience on the court. Having an additional primary ball-handler who can attack the rim and make calm decisions is undoubtedly a valuable advantage.

Although Fox made several critical mistakes in the Finals, over the entire season he brought far more positive value to the Silver and Black. He is now 28 years old, but this was his first trip to the Finals—those errors will serve as priceless lessons. Throughout the offseason, these regrets will drive him to refine his skills and undergo a transformation next season. The Spurs deserve to reap the benefits of his ambition.

Meanwhile, Harper can grow steadily under less pressure. He doesn't have to force his way into the starting lineup; even if he makes mistakes, there are seasoned veterans on the team to support him. This gifted slasher and finisher is destined to become a league superstar, and his career is still long—he has plenty of time to comfortably secure a starting role. The current lineup configuration gives the Spurs a unique competitive edge.

Wembanyama's immense interior presence creates driving lanes, and having three guards with different styles who excel at attacking the paint simultaneously will be a nightmare for any opponent. As this core lineup of the Spurs grows together, opposing teams will find it increasingly difficult to handle them.