Sincerely think it's plausible that Harper is already the 2nd best player on the team but the Spurs are always so circumspect with these things. Kawhi got handed the keys probably two full seasons after he was already good enough for them.
It's good that he's coachable, low ego, plays to the system and doesn't force things. But when I see something like Harper matched up on Conley, but he gives the ball up because his vet asks him to even though he's matched on McDaniels, then said vet turns it over or dribbles into a bad contested shot, can't help but be frustrated. Harper is getting two feet deep in the paint in that situation every time and has been getting to the rim or creating wide open threes all season.
But yeah. Over the hump series for sure.
The advanced stats already point to Harper/Wemby as the best two man lineup in the league, and Harper/Wemby/Vassell as the best three man lineup, and Harper/Wemby/Champagnie as the third best three man lineup, and on and on it goes. They're going to have to find 30 minutes for him next season and hopefully he's okay with hunting the sixth man of the year award, because otherwise there could be some awkward conversations.
I think if they do win a title it all becomes a lot easier, Fox did what he came to the team to do, we shake hands and agree to work out a mutually beneficial destination. He's not helping his trade value atm though lol.