Spurs' rising star could create major backcourt dilemma

Fox arrived midseason via trade from the Sacramento Kings and made an immediate impact. In his 17 games before an injury cut his season short, he averaged 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. Between Sacramento and San Antonio, he put up 23.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists during the 2024-25 campaign, though his shooting from deep dipped to around 31 percent. The fit wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t seamless.

Meanwhile, Stephon Castle took home Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 14.7 points, 4.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds on 42.8 percent shooting. Castle quickly became the starting guard alongside Victor Wembanyama and proved he could handle big minutes and significant assignments right out of the gate.

Now, enter Harper. The former Rutgers standout brings a different skill set to the table — bigger frame, more physicality and natural feel as a playmaker. In college, he averaged 19.4 points, 4.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds, showing flashes of a high-level NBA creator. He’s not a perfect shooter yet, but the mechanics are solid, and his size gives him an edge defensively. Some scouts see shades of a more athletic Cade Cunningham.

In the Summer League, Harper’s flashes were enough to generate buzz. In just two games before being shut down as a precaution, he combined for 32 points and eight rebounds in 42 total minutes. In his second outing, he delivered a clutch performance in an overtime win, scoring 16 points with six boards, two assists and two steals in 17 minutes. It wasn’t dominant, but it was encouraging.

The problem? The Spurs now have three players who all demand minutes — Fox, Castle and Harper. That’s a good problem on paper, but minutes and roles don’t always stretch easily. Castle looks locked into the starting two spot. Fox is the current point guard, but his big contract and ball-dominant style don’t necessarily mesh long-term with a pair of rising combo guards who both need reps to grow.

For now, Harper will probably come off the bench and slide between the one and two depending on matchups. But if he leaps early in the season — especially by improving his outside shot — the Spurs may have no choice but to reevaluate. Fox, as the older, more expensive player, could be the odd man out in a trade scenario to a team needing scoring and veteran presence down the road.

It’s not panic time in San Antonio, and this isn’t a locker room issue. It’s a long-term roster puzzle that will need to be solved eventually. But if Harper keeps trending upward and Castle keeps producing, the Spurs could soon have to decide whether to double down on youth or find a new home for one of their stars.