Southwest Division Notes: Harper debuts, Jones Garcia shines, Wells expands role, Durant clicks with Sengun
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Rookie guard Dylan Harper made his first preseason appearance for the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, drawing praise after missing the club’s opening two games while recovering from September thumb surgery.
The No. 2 overall pick checked in midway through the first quarter and immediately delivered alley-oop assists to Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet. Restricted to 18 minutes, Harper still ran the offense effectively, finishing with a game-high +20 plus-minus while picking up full court on defense.
“Just being back out on the court with those guys and getting the chemistry going felt good,” Harper said. “My teammates empower me and let me know what I’m doing right or wrong.”
Head coach Mitch Johnson called the outing “another step” in the 19-year-old’s development. “To do it in front of fans and bright lights is invaluable experience,” Johnson noted.
Second-year forward David Jones Garcia continued his strong run after an All-Summer League showing, pouring in 20 points during the fourth quarter and overtime of the Spurs’ win over Utah. “He’s dynamic with the ball,” Johnson said, adding that improved defense could cement the 23-year-old’s place in the rotation.
In Memphis, the Grizzlies are asking sophomore swingman Jaylen Wells to shoulder more offense following the trade of Desmond Bane to Orlando. “He’s being asked to be a secondary handler and is doing a pretty good job,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said. “I’m very happy with his development.”
Houston’s new star Kevin Durant logged his first game with the Rockets on Wednesday and showed immediate chemistry with center Alperen Sengun. The duo repeatedly ran a polished two-man game that forced difficult choices for defenders; Sengun stands out as the most talented center Durant has played alongside in his career.
Source: Hoops Rumors
