The San Antonio Spurs are preparing for a strong return in the 2025 NBA Draft, holding two valuable early picks to bolster their roster. After finishing 13th in the Western Conference with a 34-48 record, the Spurs aim to surround Victor Wembanyama with promising talent, targeting key prospects including the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper.
San Antonio Spurs Eyeing Rutgers’ Dylan Harper with the Second Overall Pick
Brandon Austin from PFSN projects the Spurs will use their No. 2 pick to select Dylan Harper from Rutgers, seeing him as a complementary piece to Victor Wembanyama, who was the top pick in the 2023 draft. Though trading the pick remains an option, Austin strongly suggests the team will keep it to build around Harper’s versatile skill set.
Dylan Harper may not have surpassed Flagg for the top spot in the 2025 NBA Draft, but in almost any other year, he’d be the clear-cut No. 1 pick,
Austin wrote.
The Rutgers combo guard — and son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper — brings NBA bloodlines and a mature, high-IQ approach to the game. As a freshman, he averaged 19.4 points per game, consistently using his strength and body control to get downhill and finish at the rim.
Dylan Harper’s recent performance in the Big Ten Tournament highlighted his all-around impact. Against USC, he posted 27 points on 9-of-21 shooting, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 8 assists, and contributed 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Dylan Harper vs USC tonight in the Big Ten Tourney
27 PTS (9-21 FG, 1-8 3PT, 8-8 FTs)8 REBS8 AST2 STLS2 BLKS
Lesson learned here is coaching matters when picking a school kids….
Is he done or will we see him in the NIT? pic.twitter.com/ObOvhEjB17
— Frankie Vision
Potential and Areas for Growth in Dylan Harper’s Game
Despite his productivity, Harper’s three-point shooting is an area Austin views as needing improvement. He remains optimistic about Harper’s potential to develop a reliable jumper thanks to better shot selection and NBA-style spacing.
While Harper’s 3-point shooting remains a work in progress, there’s reason for optimism. With improved shot selection and the benefit of NBA-level spacing, his jumper has room to grow into a reliable weapon,
Austin wrote.
At 6-foot-6 with a sturdy frame, Harper combines physicality and refined playmaking. He is comfortable handling contact and finishing plays, and Austin highlights his skill in controlling the offense through advanced pick-and-roll execution, strong vision, touch, and poise as a passer.
Defensive Abilities and Fit Within the Spurs System
Harper’s versatility on defense also makes him an attractive prospect, capable of guarding multiple positions. While his defensive consistency can fluctuate, his size, strength, and court awareness position him well for growth in San Antonio’s player development system.
On defense, Harper shows the potential to guard multiple positions. Though his effort can be inconsistent at times, his size, strength, and awareness give him real upside on that end, especially in a San Antonio Spurs system known for player development,
Austin said.
Austin believes Harper would complement the Spurs’ existing core, including Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox, adding another dynamic playmaker to the team’s young nucleus.
With Victor Wembanyama anchoring the frontcourt and De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell already in place, Harper’s size and versatility make him a seamless addition. He gives San Antonio another dynamic creator and rounds out a young core that could power the franchise for years to come,
Austin concluded.
The Spurs’ Rebuilding Journey and Future Outlook
San Antonio faces a challenging path after incremental improvements from the bottom of the Western Conference. The addition of Harper alongside Wembanyama presents hope for the franchise to accelerate its rebuild and become a competitive force once again.
The combination of Harper’s high basketball IQ, physical skills, and defensive potential with Wembanyama’s generational talent could create a foundation that leads the Spurs back to playoff contention in the near future. Their success with these picks in the 2025 NBA Draft will be a critical step toward restoring the Spurs’ status as perennial contenders.