San Antonio Spurs Draft Dylan Harper with Hopes of Another Rookie of the Year

A Bold Pick Adds Another Rising Star to San Antonio's Rebuild

The San Antonio Spurs have made another power move in their youth-driven rebuild, selecting Rutgers standout guard Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. After back-to-back Rookie of the Year honors with Victor Wembanyama (2024) and Stephon Castle (2025), the Spurs are eyeing a rare trifecta with Harper as their latest addition.

The Spurs’ Youth Revolution Continues

This marks San Antonio’s third consecutive year with a top-four draft selection, further accelerating a rebuild that has already yielded promising results. The franchise made waves in 2023 by selecting generational talent Victor Wembanyama first overall, followed by the 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle at No. 4 in 2024.

Now, with Harper joining the roster, the Spurs add another high-ceiling talent to their already dynamic core.

"I think when you play with a bunch of great players, it just brings the best out of you," Harper said after being drafted. "They’ve got a great young core. I’m just ready to get in there and make an impact anywhere I can."

Dylan Harper Brings Versatility and Rim Pressure

Known for his versatile offensive skill set, 6-foot-6 Harper excelled at creating rim pressure during his time at Rutgers. His physicality and ability to penetrate defenses could be the missing link that unlocks San Antonio’s offense, especially with Wembanyama’s elite floor-spacing capabilities.

Even with De’Aaron Fox running point and Castle already in the lineup, the Spurs are embracing positionless basketball — focusing on player development over rigid roles. Harper’s adaptable style fits perfectly into this evolving philosophy.

Building a Defense Anchored by Wembanyama

With Victor Wembanyama leading the league in blocks last season, the Spurs are building a defensive identity around his unique abilities. The recent addition of assistant coach Corliss Williamson and associate head coach Sean Sweeney further signals San Antonio’s intent to dial up the defensive intensity.

Harper’s length and on-ball aggression make him a valuable asset in that system. He’s expected to become a key piece of what could develop into one of the NBA’s toughest defensive units.

“All my life it’s been about going somewhere you can make something happen and get to the championship,” Harper said. “From the front office to the equipment manager, everything is top-tier. I’m just happy I’m part of it now.”

Carter Bryant Adds Shooting and Athleticism at No. 14

With their second first-round pick, the Spurs selected Carter Bryant, a high-flying 3-and-D forward from Arizona, at No. 14 overall. Though the team could have added more frontcourt depth behind Wembanyama, Bryant’s athleticism and perimeter shooting made him a perfect fit for the team’s two-way aspirations.

Bryant posted 37 blocks and shot 37.1% from three during his freshman season, making him one of Arizona’s most promising defenders and an offensive floor-spacer in his own right.

A New Era Without Popovich on the Sidelines

This draft marks a historic turning point for the Spurs — the first in nearly 30 years without Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich on the bench. While no longer coaching, the 76-year-old legend remains deeply involved in the organization’s strategy and talent evaluation.

Popovich’s presence continues to influence the team’s draft philosophy: versatile, two-way players who can shoot, defend, and grow into defined roles.

Additional Draft-Day Moves

In a quieter transaction, the Spurs also traded the No. 38 pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a future second-round selection and cash considerations. The move gives San Antonio additional future flexibility as they continue their methodical rebuild.

Looking Ahead

With Dylan Harper now in the fold, joining Wembanyama, Castle, Fox, and Bryant, the San Antonio Spurs are quickly becoming one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA. While expectations are high, the team appears well-positioned to continue their upward trajectory — and possibly produce their third consecutive Rookie of the Year.