Dylan Harper may begin next season in a sixth-man role with the San Antonio Spurs, according to sources familiar with the team's thinking. The arrangement stems from a crowded backcourt that includes De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, both of whom remain ahead of Harper in the pecking order for now.

Despite the likely bench role, evaluators around the league remain enthusiastic about Harper's trajectory. Scouts, coaches and front office executives were impressed by his paint finishing, point-of-attack defense and poise as a 20-year-old competing on the NBA Finals stage. Sources described Harper as being on a legitimate superstar track based on that performance.

Fox's continued advantage in tempo control and offensive organization gives him a clear edge over both younger guards for now, even after his struggles in the finals. That dynamic makes it unlikely Harper unseats Fox as a starter next season unless Fox is willing to move to the bench himself.

The Spurs are unlikely to start Harper alongside both Fox and Castle unless one of the trio significantly improves their perimeter shooting.

Victor Wembanyama's decision to forgo a potential supermax contract, made partly to help San Antonio maintain financial flexibility to pay Harper once his rookie deal expires, has helped establish an expectation of sacrifice across the roster. Sources familiar with Harper's thinking said he understands he may need to accept a reserve role next season as part of that broader team dynamic.

Harper addressed the subject last season when asked about a potential sixth-man role, telling The Athletic that he viewed Keldon Johnson, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, as the team's true sixth man and considered himself simply one of the bench pieces. Johnson's uncertain extension outlook this offseason, however, adds another layer of complexity to how the Spurs ultimately configure their backcourt rotation heading into next season.