The Backcourt Answer Camp Wanted Before October 8

By the Spurs Nightly Desk · Wednesday, September 30

Pounding The Rock reported September 29 that it looks like Dylan Harper will start for the Spurs, the clearest signal yet on San Antonio's backcourt plan. Preseason play begins October 8 against the Hawks, with Jayden Quaintance and Jones Garcia both still working back from injury.

Spurs Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

What's the latest word on the starting five?

Pounding The Rock's Jacob Douglas reported September 29 that it looks like Dylan Harper will start for the Spurs. Mitch Johnson has not confirmed a lineup, and no preseason game has been played to test it. If it holds, the rookie guard would open next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle in the backcourt mix.

When do the Spurs play their first preseason game?

San Antonio's preseason begins October 8 at home against the Hawks, then plays at the Suns on ESPN2 October 10, at the Jazz October 12, and hosts the Suns again October 14. The regular season begins October 20 against the Thunder on NBC/Peacock, San Antonio's first game back since last season's Finals loss to the Knicks.

Who's out for camp right now?

Jayden Quaintance remains sidelined by a knee issue, with a return estimate of December 1. Jones Garcia is day-to-day for an ankle issue, targeting an October 1 return, just ahead of the preseason opener. Neither has logged a preseason minute yet, so camp reps are the only evidence so far on either recovery.

What's the one number worth watching?

Victor Wembanyama scored 20-plus points in 4 of his last 5 games off the bench last season, well above his season scoring pace. Coming out of a reserve role, that stretch is the clearest sign of what an expanded role could look like for him this fall. It's a last-season data point, with no current games yet to confirm it holds.

What's still unresolved heading into camp?

Six rookies are with the team, including Harper and Carter Bryant in the mix, but none has played a preseason minute. How Mitch Johnson splits time among them, especially with Harper reportedly in line to start, is the open question the schedule will finally start answering October 8.

The verdictNothing is official until Mitch Johnson sets his rotation, but a camp report on Harper and a preseason schedule that starts October 8 give fans a real timeline for answers.

When is the Spurs' preseason opener?

San Antonio's preseason begins October 8 at home against the Hawks.

Is Jayden Quaintance playing in preseason?

No. A knee issue has Quaintance sidelined, with a return estimate of December 1, past the preseason schedule.