Bill Simmons has pointed out how the San Antonio Spurs could find themselves in a similar situation to the 1999 Los Angeles Lakers with their young superstar guard.

Dylan Harper’s rookie season was nothing short of sensational. He established himself as a cornerstone piece for the San Antonio Spurs. He came off the bench for most of the year, but his impact led to him closing out games quite often for the team, especially at the business end of the season.

Harper’s production went up significantly in the playoffs. On the biggest stage in the Finals, he took another leap. He averaged 18.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game against the New York Knicks. The 20-year-old looks like the real deal, and it’s reminding Bill Simmons of none other than Kobe Bryant.

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Bill Simmons questions if Dylan Harper’s play will force San Antonio Spurs to bench De’Aaron Fox

The Lakers used to start Eddie Jones between 1995 to 1998, with the guard making two All-Star appearances during that time. However, Kobe’s growth led to the Lakers trading Jones away in 1999 and making Bryant the full-time starter. This resulted in the team winning three of the next four NBA titles.

Simmons has pointed to Harper potentially already being in that situation, in relation to De’Aaron Fox. He asked the question on his most recent podcast episode.

“I don’t think the Keldon Johnson thing was positive,” Simmons said. “I didn’t feel like he was playable in the Finals, and I think the Fox thing was a big referendum. Where he’s going to be is a thing to watch.

“If it becomes a 1999 Kobe situation with Harper, where they basically can’t keep him off the floor, what does that leave with the decisions they make at the end of these games?” Do they just play three guards at the end of games? Is it three guards with Tobias Harris? Or do they just bench Fox at the end of games and just brace for him being unhappy?”

The Spurs have some decisions to make in terms of their backcourt. The start of this season will make a lot of things clearer, although Harper himself seems very confident in his abilities. Overall, while it is a bit tricky to figure out, this absolutely qualifies as a ‘champagne problem’ for the San Antonio Spurs.