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SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 27: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against the Toronto Raptors in second half at Frost Bank Center on October 27, 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) Getty Images Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has flown slightly below the radar this season, but not because of poor play. In fact, the rookie has been producing at a rock solid level. He's just caught between more interesting storylines. In the shadow of Flagg and Wembanyama Going into the draft, the focus was overwhelmingly placed on the first overall pick, Cooper Flagg, who went to Dallas. While Harper was broadly seen as the second-best player in the draft, and got picked accordingly, he simply didn't draw the same amount of headlines. Even his college teammate, Ace Bailey, saw more attention come his way, despite a significantly lower floor. After being selected by the Spurs, Harper once again found himself a bit on the outside, with most of the attention from Spurs fans going to Victor Wembanyama, which seems fair enough. This lack of exposure, one might argue, has benefitted the 19-year-old, who has been able to integrate himself slowly into both the Spurs, and the league at large. It's worked. Harper, who is a 6'5 lead guard, is averaging 14.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game to open the season, and has played a crucial role in the Spurs opening the season 5-0, a franchise record. MORE FOR YOU Harper's ability to get to the rim, making quality reads out of the pick and roll, and even function as a productive defender this early in his career, is a sign of quite the future. Great Wembanyama fit Harper, who was drafted with the idea of being paired with Wembanyama for years to come, is already looking like a smart selection on that account. While he technically plays a similar role and position as last year's Rookie Of the Year, Stephon Castle, the duo works together in large part of their size advantage over other backcourts (Castle is 6'6, and 220 pounds), and their ability to interchangeable. Harper doesn't control the ball at every possession, and is currently getting an education in how to apply himself when the ball is out of his hands. The rookie does need to become a better shooter, especially from behind the three-point line, but his stroke isn't broken, so there should be optimism on that front, especially as he gets more and more comfortable with the speed of the game. His constant focus on finding Wembanyama in scoring positions is commendable, and shows a great willingness for Harper to ingrain himself further into what the Spurs are building. The youngster seems to understand the situation. That for all of his talents, he's never going to be as good as his French teammate, but if he learns to embrace that, there could be championships waiting for him down the line. So, yes, he isn't talked about enough. But that doesn't mean his game isn't loud. Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
