After a few down years, things are once again looking up for the San Antonio Spurs. Their future just got even brighter with the selection of Rutgers guard Dylan Harper at No. 2 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Harper entered the draft as the consensus No. 2 prospect, so this selection comes as no surprise.
Harper is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., who won three titles with the Chicago Bulls (1996–1998) and two more with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001). His older brother, Ron Harper Jr., also played at Rutgers and spent last season with the Detroit Pistons and their G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise.
Although they’ve been overshadowed by in-state rival Dallas landing the No. 1 overall pick despite just a 1.8% chance to do so, the Spurs also defied the odds by winning the No. 2 pick with a 6.3% chance.
The Spurs will now get to pair Harper with rising star Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft.
Dylan Harper Looks Like a Great Fit With the San Antonio Spurs
Harper is 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, and could play either guard spot in the NBA. With his athleticism (though not a high-flyer), body control, ball-handling, and ability to take defenders off the dribble, he should be a strong running mate for Wembanyama for years to come.
He averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 48.4% from the field, 33.3% from deep, and 75.0% from the free throw line in 29 games for Rutgers last season.
Harper certainly likes how he fits in with the Spurs.
“I mean, that would definitely be great and I would definitely be blessed to have that opportunity just because they’re two young players, young stars, and the rest of the team from top to bottom is really good so when you get to play with better players and the best of the best, it just brings out your best game,” Harper said when asked about a potential fit in San Antonio.
The second player Harper is referring to is Stephon Castle, the 2024–25 NBA Rookie of the Year, joining Wembanyama, who won the award the year before. Harper will try to become the third straight Spur to take home the honor.
With Castle and De’Aaron Fox already in the backcourt, there have been plenty of trade rumors, mostly around Fox, who was dealt to San Antonio last year. But a surplus of talented guards is a good problem to have.
“They’re really young. You bring another young guy that is full of energy, just happy to be there and will do whatever he needs to do to help his team win and whatever his coach asks,” Harper Sr. said when asked about his son’s fit with the Spurs.
While Cooper Flagg buzz is warranted and deserved, Harper is prepared to make waves as he enters a new phase of his basketball career in San Antonio.
