Dylan Harper Off the Bench: The Good and the Bad for Spurs

By coming off the bench, Harper will likely have his minutes staggered with Fox, the team's primary ball handler, than any other starter. This means when he is on the court, he'll be able to be a high-volume handler in his own right in a competitive environment.

This means more possessions where the offense runs through Harper, whether that be by initiating sets, facilitating the two-man game or hunting self-created buckets. Instead of focusing on contributing in a more off-ball role next to Fox, he'll get a bigger chance to sharpen his lead-guard skills against second units and build confidence as a primary creator prospect.

The Bad: Shorter Leash for Mistakes

On the other hand, a bench role means there's a good chance Harper isn't featured in the Spurs' top lineups of choice. Bench players typically have a slimmer margin for error, as the starting players typically serve as a reliable alternative for their spot on the court.

If Harper dishes errant passes, attempts ill-advised shots or experiences defensive lapses, he may get pulled more quickly than if he were a starter. For a young point guard, that can harm development, since trial-and-error and learning through failure are critical building blocks in the development of a creative, dynamic ball-handler.

Harper may be able to save minutes by playing a more risk-averse style of ball, which can certainly also be beneficial, but may not be the best path for Harper to fulfill his true potential as an elite NBA point guard.