Spurs Offseason Primer: Is Dylan Harper ready to start?

The Spurs reached the NBA Finals last season. Apparently, they’re still not done figuring out who should start at point guard.

ESPN’s Michael C. Wright reports that De’Aaron Fox is expected to open the season as San Antonio’s starter, but second-year guard Dylan Harper could make that decision considerably more interesting.

Harper broke out during the playoffs, while Fox struggled at times in the Finals. Even so, Spurs sources told ESPN the organization remains committed to Fox and noted that San Antonio may not have reached the championship round without him playing through a high ankle sprain.

Ultimately, Wright reports, coach Mitch Johnson will make the call based on performance.

Johnson has also discussed using Fox, Harper and Stephon Castle together, although the early returns weren’t exactly encouraging. San Antonio posted a minus-26.9 net rating in 18 games with all three on the floor last season.

The larger picture remains pretty favorable.

ESPN gave the Spurs an A for their offseason, largely because Victor Wembanyama signed a five-year, $252 million extension rather than pursuing escalators that could have pushed the deal to $303 million. Wembanyama has said he wanted to preserve flexibility for San Antonio to keep building around him.

The Spurs also added Tobias Harris on a two-year, $31 million deal.

ESPN’s Zach Kram identified Harris as the team’s biggest X-factor, pointing to his ability to provide size, shooting and another dependable scoring option after San Antonio’s lack of frontcourt depth became an issue during the playoffs.

ESPN’s Basketball Power Index ranks the Spurs No. 2 entering the season. Not bad for a team that may still have another internal leap coming.