San Antonio Spurs Draft Rutgers’ Dylan Harper at No. 2
The San Antonio Spurs continue building their youth movement by selecting Rutgers star guard Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. After consecutive Rookie of the Year wins from Victor Wembanyama (2024) and Stephon Castle (2025), Harper is poised to keep the momentum going.
A Smart Fit for an Adaptable System
Despite having previously picked Castle the previous season and acquired exceptional point guard De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs selected Harper due to his versatility in his position and his ability to play in a positionless system. Wembanyama’s rim pressure and cutting skills should help him achieve his remarkable floor spacing.
“When you play with a bunch of great players, it just brings the best out of you,” Harper said. “I’m ready to get in there and make an impact anywhere I can.”
Building a Lockdown Defense
At 6-foot-6, Harper brings the physical tools to become a defensive anchor in a Spurs lineup that already led the league in blocks last season behind Wembanyama. With the additions of Corliss Williamson and Sean Sweeney to the coaching staff, San Antonio is shifting to a more aggressive, defensive-minded approach.
Carter Bryant Joins at No. 14
With their second first-round pick, the Spurs selected Carter Bryant, a bouncy 3-and-D forward from Arizona. Bryant shot 37.1% from three and ranked seventh among Arizona freshmen in blocks.
Even though the Spurs needed frontcourt depth, they stuck to their philosophy of drafting two-way shooters with defensive upside.
Spurs Trade No. 38 Pick
San Antonio traded the No. 38 overall pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a future second-round pick and cash considerations.
Another Rookie of the Year Run?
Harper joins a young Spurs core that includes Wembanyama, Castle, Fox, and now Bryant. If his college game translates, he could very well become the third straight Spurs Rookie of the Year.
“I think with that young group, they’re in the right direction,” Harper said. “I’m just happy to be part of it.”
Source: ESPN