{"id":314806,"date":"2025-10-01T11:08:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T11:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/314806\/"},"modified":"2025-10-01T11:08:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T11:08:09","slug":"spurs-dylan-harpers-mystery-injury-and-forward-to-get-g-league-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/314806\/","title":{"rendered":"Spurs’ Dylan Harper’s ‘Mystery’ Injury And Forward To Get G-League Treatment?"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN ANTONIO \u2014 The Spurs<\/a> are entering this season with renewed energy. Victor Wembanyama\u2019s<\/a> return to the lineup gives the team belief. That optimism, however, has been tested before tip-off. De\u2019Aaron Fox\u2019s<\/a> hamstring strain already delays his debut until November.<\/a> Now, another concern has surfaced: Dylan Harper\u2019a injury.<\/p>\n

Spurs\u2019 Dylan Harper\u2019s \u2018Mystery\u2019 Injury And Forward To Get G-League Treatment?
\n\"Spurs'Sep 29, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) poses for photos during Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center in San Antonio. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The rookie guard, drafted second overall, could miss the season\u2019s start after suffering<\/a> a partial tear of the collateral ligament in his left thumb. The injury occurred earlier this month during a workout in San Antonio.<\/p>\n

Harper\u2019s Rehabilitation and Mindset<\/p>\n

Harper admitted uncertainty about how the setback happened. He only realized the severity after feeling discomfort in his thumb afterward. Initially, the Spurs hoped he would be available on October 22 against Dallas. That goal looks less likely now.<\/p>\n

Dylan Harper remains optimistic despite his injury. \u201cI think just listening to the medical staff and to the coaches, and just getting their advice, but I feel good,\u201d Harper said. \u201cI think rehab has been going very well. I\u2019ve just been trying to stay at it day by day.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the moment, he can participate in some on-court activities but has not been cleared for contact. The setback followed a summer where Harper managed only two Summer League games due to a groin injury.<\/p>\n

A Delayed Start, A Bigger Role Ahead<\/p>\n

Harper is projected to be a franchise cornerstone under head coach Mitch Johnson. Fox\u2019s absence gives Dylan Harper an opening for immediate minutes, but the injury could now delay that chance. Once cleared, he is expected to contribute quickly, with the coaching staff ready to plug him into multiple roles.<\/p>\n

The Spurs will need to monitor how quickly he adjusts. His potential as a scorer and facilitator was one of the biggest reasons the organization selected him so high in the draft.<\/p>\n

Carter Bryant Embraces Possible G-League Stint<\/p>\n

Not every rookie will see early NBA minutes. Carter Bryant<\/a>, San Antonio\u2019s other first-year player, has already acknowledged the possibility of G League development. Speaking with Jeff Garcia of Kens5, Bryant said he had no issue with starting the season in Austin. He welcomed the opportunity to play consistent minutes.<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant had no hesitations about likely playing with the Austin Spurs next season. Welcomes it bc he knows he will get playing time. #nba<\/a> #porvida<\/a> #sanantonio<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 JeffGSpursKENS5 (@JeffGSpursZone) September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

That willingness matters. Bryant showed flashes in Summer League, particularly as a versatile 6-foot-8 defender with a seven-foot wingspan. His outside shot looked shaky in July, but his college mark of 37 percent from three at Arizona remains encouraging despite low volume (2.8 attempts per game). He also proved himself as a cutter and secondary passer, tools that fit seamlessly into the Spurs\u2019 system.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/p>\n

For now, San Antonio faces a complicated start. The Wembanyama hype continues, but Fox\u2019s absence and Harper\u2019s uncertainty cast shadows. The team knows its cornerstone rookie will need time to heal. Whether his recovery extends weeks or months, the Spurs are already learning patience.<\/p>\n

Credit: \u00a9 Scott Wachter-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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