Ever since the Spurs experienced a massive rise in the 2025 Draft Lottery, from favored to landing at 8th all the way up to winning the 2nd overall pick, it has pretty much been set in stone that they would select Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, and they did just that.
Harper is the son of 5x NBA champion Ron Harper and brother of current Detroit Pistons two-way player Ron Harper, Jr. A 6’6” guard, Dylan averaged 19.4 points and 4 assists on 48.4% shooting as a freshman, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and making the Big Ten All-Freshman team. While his team struggled to a disappointing 15-17 finish, that doesn’t all fall on his shoulders.
The Spurs have clearly coveted Harper this entire time, refusing to include the pick in any trade talks unless it was for a package too good to pass up — which apparently means more than even Kevin Durant. His play-making, basketball IQ, defensive prowess, footwork and scoring ability are all strengths of his game, while his main weaknesses revolve around three-point shooting and pull up jumpers. You can learn more by checking out Jacob Douglas’ profile on Harper here.
The Spurs will pick again at 14th using the Atlanta Hawks’ pick from the Dejounte Murray trade, although there has been chatter of that pick being traded in some capacity, whether it’s for veteran help or other draft picks. We will keep you informed here at PtR as everything goes down, so stick around. Also note that the Spurs have traded their second round pick at 38th, so as of now, they will not be picking tomorrow.
In the meantime, welcome to San Antonio, Dylan! (Hopefully the breakfast tacos outweigh the heat.)