San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper left the door open on Monday about playing in the preseason after undergoing thumb surgery on Sept. 6.
Harper sustained a partial tear of the collateral ligament in his left thumb during a workout in San Antonio earlier this month. He clarified that he wasn’t exactly sure how the injury occurred, but he knew something was wrong after he felt his thumb afterward.
The Spurs were initially hopeful that Harper would be ready for the regular-season opener on Oct. 22 against the Dallas Mavericks. He is progressing in his rehabilitation and can do some on-court work, but he hasn’t yet been cleared for contact in practice.
“I think just listening to the medical staff and to the coaches, and just getting their advice, but I feel good,” Harper said. “I think rehab has been going very well. I’ve just been trying to stay at it day by day.”
The injury came after Harper was limited to two appearances with the Spurs in the NBA Summer League due to a minor groin injury. He was expected to be ready for the start of training camp this week before his latest setback on the court.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft averaged 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal on 35.7% shooting from the field with the team in Las Vegas. He produced 16 points in each appearance, logging 44 total minutes of action.
Harper is projected to be a franchise cornerstone for the Spurs and play a significant role for coach Mitch Johnson. Once cleared to practice, Harper will be looking to contribute in any role asked of him.
“I think the biggest thing is just control what I can control, being my best self every day, no matter what the circumstances are,” Harper said. “It is the NBA; you’re going to have a lot of good days, but you’re also going to have a lot of bad days. So, (I’m) just trying to keep that level mind and same headspace as when everything is going well.”