Dylan Harper: How Rutgers, Don Bosco star fits with Spurs as their No. 2 NBA Draft pick
'That's a dream of everyone's, to play with someone like that,' Harper, a 6-foot-6 point guard, said prior to the draft. 'He covers the paint from arm to arm. No one can really stop him. From a standpoint of being a point guard and seeing him, all the lobs you can throw, it's just amazing.'
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The dream is soon to become reality. So how good of a fit is San Antonio for Harper, a Bergen County native and former Don Bosco Prep and Rutgers University standout?
Daniel Marks, a former manager of prospect information with the Milwaukee Bucks who helped assemble that franchise's 2021 NBA title roster, viewed the pick as a no-brainer for San Antonio.
'I'm really high on his career and the fit there,' said Alex Schiffer, who covers the NBA for Front Office Sports. 'Clearly know what they're doing in San Antonio; they're huge on player development. You put him around Victor Wembanyama. And (guards) De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, and they have a good, young nucleus to grow around. He can be a top three player for them.'
Fox is an established point guard, and Castle is coming off a smashing debut season that earned him NBA Rookie of the Year honors. So at a glance, the backcourt does seem crowded with Harper aboard.
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'They've got two great guards, but positionless basketball is a thing in this league,' Harper said before the draft. 'The way to be the best is play with the best players – being one of those guys who fits in even if you have to sacrifice.'
Cooper Flagg (51) and Dylan Harper (29), shown here at the 2025 NBA draft Combine at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, are expected to be the top two picks in the 2025 NBA draft.
'He's incredibly talented,' he said. 'I think they'll worry about the fit a little bit later.'
It helps Harper to join a franchise with a steady foundation. Gregg Popovich, who guided the Spurs to five NBA titles, is now the team's president. Harper's versatility and high IQ on the offensive end would seem to be right up Popovich's alley.
Dec 14, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) celebrates with the Garden State Hardwood Classic trophy after defeating the Seton Hall Pirates at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
'Having those lead guards that can anchor a team offensively is so valuable,' Marks said. 'The ability to play both positions, the scoring instincts – he's just a natural.'
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In his one season at Rutgers, Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 48.4 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from 3-point range and 75 percent from the free-throw line. He missed three games and was limited in three others due to a midseason bout of the flu and an ankle sprain. He was voted third-team All-Big Ten by the league's media.
Rutgers finished 15-17 and did not contend for the NCAA Tournament – a shocking development given the hype surrounding Harper and teammate Ace Bailey.
But Harper's feel for pace, his open-court instincts, his aptitude for the pick-and-roll and craftiness as a scorer and ball-handler were obviously high-level for an 18-year-old (he turned 19 in March). And having a father who excelled in the league – Ron Harper won five NBA titles with the Bulls and Lakers – doesn't hurt. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Brent Barry are some salient examples.
'History tells us if you have some bloodlines,' Schiffer said, 'that definitely helps you out.'
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Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: How Dylan Harper fits with San Antonio Spurs following 2025 NBA Draft
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