Dylan Harper’s Exciting Start with the Spurs
Rookie guard Dylan Harper, drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, found himself captivated by the five championship banners displayed at the Spurs’ practice facility. During a recent draft workout, the 19-year-old expressed his excitement upon encountering legendary figures like former head coach Gregg Popovich and Hall of Famer Tim Duncan.
Harper recounted, “I spotted them out of the corner of my eye and had to approach them. It surprised me to see them there. I thought it might be a rare occasion, but they are present regularly. This reflects the Spurs’ culture.” He noted how extraordinary it was to see a Hall of Fame coach and player actively participating in the gym every day, allowing him to ask questions and learn from their experiences.
Selected second overall in the 2025 NBA Draft from Rutgers, Harper averaged 19.4 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. He joins an organization that has seen its rookies excel in recent seasons, with Victor Wembanyama (2023-24) and Stephon Castle (2024-25) receiving NBA Rookie of the Year honors. Alongside Castle and All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, Harper strengthens the Spurs’ promising three-guard rotation.
Despite the Spurs not having made it to the playoffs since 2019, Harper enjoys a sense of pride in representing a franchise with a rich history. He commented, “Being with this organization is a dream come true. They genuinely care for every player, regardless of their role, creating a family-like atmosphere where hard work is essential. In my eyes, there’s no better place than San Antonio.”
Having grown up in a basketball-centric family, Harper acknowledges the invaluable lessons learned from his father, Ron Harper, a five-time NBA champion. Dylan admires his brother Ron Jr.’s journey as an undrafted player, emphasizing, “I saw the effort and perseverance he put in, teaching me the importance of hard work and determination.”
With a diverse heritage, being of African American and Filipino descent, Harper hopes to represent both cultures. He plans to visit the Philippines, where basketball holds significant cultural importance, expressing a desire to give back to his roots. As he transitions to life in San Antonio from New Jersey, Harper expects this change will foster personal growth both on and off the court.
Having just recovered from a groin injury, Harper looks forward to participating in summer league games. As he prepares to play against other rookies, he prides himself on the competitive spirit within his class, stating, “It elevates the game when everyone competes fiercely. I’m prepared to take on anyone.”
