Dylan Harper is done with Summer League. The Spurs announced that the second overall pick of the 2025 NBA draft will not be playing the rest of the way. He’s healthy, but the team has seen all it needed to from their prized rookie.
It’s not surprising to see San Antonio make this decision, which mirrors the one the Mavericks made with No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Harper proved in his debut against Dallas that he was too good for Summer League and, after a slow start, confirmed that assertion in his second
appearance, against the Jazz. He’ll finish the tournament averaging 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists. He didn’t shoot well from the field or beyond the arc, and he turned the ball over seven times in two games, but those struggles were expected in a chaotic setting and especially after he missed the California Classic with a minor groin injury. Despite not being in rhythm and not knowing his teammates, the dynamic guard impressed.
Despite Harper’s absence, the Spurs remain an interesting team. They are 3-0 so far and have a chance to advance to the semifinals. There has been no announcement regarding 14th pick Carter Bryant, so he should be available. Summer sensation David Jones-Garcia is also still around, as well as former two-way players Riley Minix and Harrison Ingram. It would have been fun to see Harper out there with them, but it’s hard to blame the front office for being cautious with a rookie that projects to be in the rotation on opening night.
The Spurs will face the Hornets on Thursday, July 17, at 6 p.m. CST.
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