Dylan Harper is heading into his sophomore season with one thing on his mind — earning a spot in the San Antonio starting lineup.

During a recent GQ interview with his teammate and friend Stephon Castle, Harper spoke candidly, making his stance with the Spurs clear.

When asked whether he expected to return to his sixth-man role next season, Harper said “I ain’t coming off no bench.”

During his rookie campaign, the former No. 2 overall pick averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 22 minutes per game.

The 19-year-old stepped up in the playoffs, averaging 14.1 points while shooting 51 percent from the field—all while starting just two games for the Spurs.

Yet, Harper’s limited number of starts frustrated him, and his teammates took notice.

“He was upset with playing time and different roles that he was in,” Devin Vassell said after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, a loss to the Knicks that clinched the series.

Harper’s goal of winning Sixth Man of the Year also offers a glimpse into how he views his current role with the Spurs.

San Antonio is loaded with guards, with Devin Vassell, De’Aaron Fox and last season’s Sixth Man winner, Keldon Johnson, rounding out the backcourt.

Throughout the playoffs, Fox started at point guard for the Spurs despite struggling during the Finals.

He averaged 15.6 points, 6.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 41 percent from the field and 29 percent from 3-point range in 33.1 minutes per game.

As Harper continued to show he could score, conversations began to emerge about moving him into the starting lineup.

Fox is set to make $53 million next season, the second year of his four-year, $229 million contract extension with the Spurs.

Castle sought to reassure the young star, telling him he knew where he would be come October.

“Bro, all you got to know is you going to be in the starting lineup,” Castle said. “Be ready to hoop.”

Harper’s presence will make lineup decisions an interesting challenge for head coach Mitch Johnson this season as the Spurs look to get over the championship hump with Victor Wembanyama.

The Spurs open the 2026-27 NBA season at home against the Thunder in a rematch of the Western Conference finals.