{"id":698229,"date":"2026-04-04T18:27:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T18:27:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/698229\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T18:27:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T18:27:27","slug":"spurs-rookie-made-nba-history-before-nuggets-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/698229\/","title":{"rendered":"Spurs Rookie Made NBA History Before Nuggets Game"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets.<\/p>\n

There might not be a Rookie of the Year nod in Dylan Harper\u2019s future, but that\u2019s not due to a lack of production.<\/p>\n

Unlike most of the top rookies in the NBA<\/a> this season, Harper is playing a bench role.<\/p>\n

With that, his accomplishments are tied to some of the most prominent rookie reserves in the history of the game.<\/p>\n

After Harper\u2019s recent performance against the Los Angeles Clippers<\/a>, the rookie guard joined just one other player in NBA history this season with his total points, assists, and threes, while coming off the bench.<\/p>\n

\"San<\/p>\n

GettySAN ANTONIO, TX \u2013 SEPTEMBER 29: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs interviewed by media at San Antonio Spurs Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center on September 29, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

via Statmuse<\/a>: \u201cDylan Harper vs LAC:<\/p>\n

19 PTS
5 AST
8-12 FG
2-3 3P<\/p>\n

The 2nd rookie in NBA history with 700+ points, 200+ assists and 50+ threes off the bench.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dylan Harper vs LAC:<\/p>\n

19 PTS
\n5 AST
\n8-12 FG
\n2-3 3P<\/p>\n

The 2nd rookie in NBA history with 700+ points, 200+ assists and 50+ threes off the bench. <\/p>\n

Chucky Atkins is the only other rookie<\/a> in the history of the NBA with similar numbers.<\/p>\n

The Career Of Chucky Atkins<\/p>\n

Atkins and Harper entered the NBA in totally different circumstances.<\/p>\n

Atkins went undrafted out of South Florida in 1996. He didn\u2019t actually land in the NBA until the Orlando Magic<\/a> picked him up in 1999.<\/p>\n

The ex-NBA veteran had a long career, which included 696 regular-season games and 36 playoff appearances. He spent time with the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When Atkins was a rookie, he totaled 782 points, 306 assists, and 57 three-pointers..<\/p>\n

After his career concluded, Atkins left the game as a one-time champion. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game throughout his career.<\/p>\n

The Start Of Dylan Harper\u2019s Journey\"\"<\/p>\n

SAN ANTONIO, TX \u2013 OCTOBER 26: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets<\/a> in first half of a game at Frost Bank Center on October 26, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Harper declared for the NBA Draft in 2025 after a freshman season at Rutgers.<\/p>\n

The New Jersey-born guard became the second-overall pick by the Spurs in the draft. He\u2019s the only member of the league\u2019s top-five selections to have a role that involves coming off the bench.<\/p>\n

In 64 games with the Spurs, Harper is averaging 11.7 points (50.3% from the field and 32.7% from three). He is also posting averages of 3.4 rebounds per game and 3.9 assists per game.<\/p>\n

Harper\u2019s totals heading into the Saturday afternoon action against the Denver Nuggets include 715 points, 239 assists, and 52 three-pointers.<\/p>\n

More Spurs News<\/p>\n

Spurs Coach\u2019s Victor Wembanyama Injury Statement vs Clippers<\/a><\/p>\n

Spurs\u2019 Dylan Harper On Pace to Pass Lakers Legend in NBA History<\/a><\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama Gets Bad News on the MVP Race<\/a><\/p>\n

For the latest San Antonio Spurs news and rumors, head over to Heavy on Spurs<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

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