Victor Wembanyama knows that the San Antonio Spurs' path to NBA glory runs through Dylan Harper. And it's not just the rookie's scoring that has the French superstar excited—it's one specific skill that could make all the difference.
In Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Harper showed exactly why he's such a problem for opposing defenses. Even coming off the bench, he turned into a scoring machine. But for Wembanyama, what stands out most is something far more nuanced.
"The most impressive for me … the way he controls his body. His body awareness. Whether it's on drives or on jumps, or relocation in the air," Wembanyama told Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. "And you can see that in a variety of actions. Offensively, but also on rebounds and stuff, and on steals. It's quite impressive."
Most rookies struggle finishing around the rim. Not Harper. His acrobatic moves and elite ball-handling let him slice through defenses like a veteran. But here's where it gets really interesting: that body control isn't just for scoring.
Coach Mitch Johnson has deployed Harper on the boards, and the rookie has delivered in historic fashion. He's become the first rookie guard in NBA postseason history to record multiple games with 10+ rebounds and 10+ points. That's right—he's already making playoff history.
And if you're looking for company in the Spurs' record books, Harper currently trails only Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker in postseason points as a rookie. That's the kind of company that builds dynasties.
Wembanyama and the Spurs coaching staff see the writing on the wall: this rookie is blossoming into a star right before their eyes. With Harper's unique body control and versatility, the Spurs aren't just building for the future—they're building for multiple championships.
