It was the San Antonio Spurs’ young core that led the team to a historic NBA Finals. Dylan Harper, along with Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama, was one of the key reasons behind the success.

Now heading into the new season, Harper isn't hiding his ambitions, even if his Spurs teammate managed to catch him trying to give the diplomatic answer.

During a joint feature with GQ, Harper jokingly claimed he was targeting the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2026-27 season. Castle immediately questioned the idea, asking who Harper would even be backing up.

However, Harper initially tried to give the team-first response before quickly abandoning it.

“I’m going to win Sixth Man of the Year,” Harper said.

“You’re not going to be Sixth Man,” Castle replied, asking. “Who are you going to be Sixth Man for?”

“I don’t f*cking know—God?” Harper said.

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You don’t actually think you’re going to come off the bench, do you? I cut in.

“What’s the political answer here? I’m going to do whatever the team needs me to do, man. If that’s come off the bench….” Harper further added.

“That’s crazy. F*ck no. I ain’t coming off no bench.”

The star guard is coming off a promising rookie season in San Antonio. Harper averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists across 69 games while shooting 50.5% from the field.

His production increased during the Spurs' run to the NBA Finals. Against the New York Knicks, Harper averaged 18.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, giving San Antonio another offensive option alongside Wembanyama.

The biggest question now is how San Antonio structures its backcourt rotation entering the 2026-27 season, particularly with Harper coming off a postseason run that showcased a higher level of production.