It would have been the first time guards De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Harper started together, yet the rookie has only six starts in 92 games as a 2025/26 rookie. Could this be the spark the Spurs need? Wing Devin Vassell and Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama rounded out the lineup.
Fox sat out after a sore Thursday practice, so Champagnie filled the gap. Harper flourished in his 2026 preseason debut, posting 16 points on 5‑of‑7 shooting (3‑of‑5 from three), four rebounds, four assists, zero turnovers and a steal in 19 first‑half minutes.
Johnson stayed vague about keeping the lineup, but it would be surprising if Harper isn’t in the mix, Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express‑News notes. The No. 2 overall pick was introduced first during pre‑game remarks.
Harper is upbeat about the guard trio’s chemistry, according to Weiss. In my view, the three could become the league’s toughest backcourt.
We’re going to be really hard to guard. When me and Steph get downhill, Fox has the same ability, Harper said. All three of us can create mismatches, play unselfishly and know where our shots come from.
… We understand what we all have to do to win. So I mean, it’s going to be great.
Here’s more from the Southwest:
- Both Johnson and Wembanyama praised Vassell’s evolution into a leader before Thursday’s game, Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express‑News reports. Devin’s matured from a young player to a young veteran, establishing himself through last season, the playoffs and his off‑season conduct, the Spurs coach added. He is a leader now without question.
- In his first outing since May 2025, veteran guard Fred VanVleet showed no rust, Varun Shankar of The Houston Chronicle writes. After missing last season with a torn ACL, VanVleet helped the Rockets to a 135‑117 preseason win over Dallas, tallying 17 points (5‑of‑12, all threes) and seven assists in 24 minutes. More than the stats, his play opened the floor, benefitting teammates like Alperen Sengun (16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists in 22 minutes).
- Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has taken on a mentorship role for lottery pick Morez Johnson Jr.. Grant Afseth of Dallas Sports Journal details the bond. Will this guidance accelerate Johnson’s rise?