Dylan Harper was spectacular in the second half of his rookie season, but that doesn’t mean the Spurs should give him De’Aaron Fox’s spot in the starting lineup, Jared Weiss of The Athletic states in a mailbag column. Harper, the second pick in last year’s draft, played a vital role off the bench during the team’s run to the NBA Finals and Weiss cites a perception around the league that he could eventually turn into a top 10 player.

However, that can only happen with regular playing time, and Fox is entrenched as the team’s starting point guard. Fox, 28, who put together an All-Star season before an injury limited his effectiveness in the playoffs, signed a four-year maximum extension last summer.

Weiss adds that Fox understands the “nuance” of running a team, which is a skill that Harper and Stephon Castle haven’t developed yet. He adds that the best move for coach Mitch Johnson is to keep the arrangement as it is now, but to close games more often with all three guards on the court.

There’s more from the Southwest Division:

• During the Las Vegas Summer League, several scouts told Weiss that Harper and Castle are “near locks” to get at least the 25% maximum rookie extension when they become eligible (next summer for Castle and 2028 for Harper), and that number could rise if they meet “Rose rule” qualifications. He adds that they’re “absolutely not getting traded anytime soon,” as both players are viewed as part of the Spurs’ long-term foundation. With Victor Wembanyama also on a max deal, that could lead to some difficult financial decisions when Castle’s expected extension begins in the 2028/29 season. Weiss points out that they’re likely to exceed the tax line with only 10 players on the books, but they’ll be filled with talent throughout the roster, especially if Carter Bryant develops into a starting power forward. He adds that moving on from Fox won’t become a financial necessity for at least the next two years.
• Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki supports new team president Masai Ujiri in his efforts to revitalize the organization, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. Ujiri has been active since taking over the team five months ago, making significant changes to the roster and hiring Dusty May as head coach. “We are in his corner,” Nowitzki said of his longtime friend. “We all want the Mavericks to go back to where they were. Just a few years ago, we were a Finals team. There is a lot of work to be done. We are excited.” Nowitzki also believes “the sky is the limit” for reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
• The Grizzlies will wear a “BC” jersey patch this season in memory of Brandon Clarke, who died in May, the team announced (via Twitter). A pre-game tribute and a moment of silence will take place before the October 21 opener.