Spurs' Dylan Harper opens up about playing in NBA Summer League

USA Today

15-07-2025

After sustaining a groin injury, No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper has enjoyed suiting up with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Harper missed the Spurs' stint in the California Classic and their first game in the desert due to a minor issue, as described by the team. He debuted on Saturday, producing 16 points and six rebounds in a win over Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks.
The 6-foot-6 guard scored another 16 points, two rebounds and two assists on Monday in a win over the Utah Jazz, who were without No. 5 pick Ace Bailey (hip). It was his second game at the Thomas & Mack Center, the larger of the two arenas used for the event.
"The atmosphere is crazy," Harper said. "I think when I was here (as a fan), and just when you're watching it from afar, and then when you're on the court, you can hear the crowd is into it, no matter what game it is. It is just unbelievable, so just probably the crowd, energy, and, honestly, how competitive it is."
Harper was regarded as one of the top lead guards in the draft as a bigger player who can score, play with physicality and see the court well. He has showcased each of those elements through his first two appearances and has shown no lingering effects from his injury.
Those two games have served as the first competitive action for Harper since the end of last season at Rutgers. He has been inefficient, shooting just 35.7% from the field, but the team doesn't appear to be too worried about those struggles.
"The first game, you get your nerves out," Spurs summer league coach Mike Noyes said. "Second game, you're trying to flow into it. It is hard, the position he is in. He hasn't played in months, and the expectations are high. The expectations shouldn't be high. He is right where he needs to be, so if he focuses on defense (and) makes the right play for the team, his conditioning will be way better once the season comes around."
After beginning 3-0 in their stint in Las Vegas, the Spurs will play at least two more contests. The team could have the opportunity to play in the summer league playoffs, with the top four teams qualifying for the semifinals, and play a sixth game if they make the final.
The group will play next on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets (7 p.m. EDT, ESPN). After missing four games due to injury, it seems as though Harper may play the rest of their schedule in the desert, which the 19-year-old is prepared for.
"We're ready for every game," Harper said. "I think this right here showed that we don't quit when we get down or when hard times happen, we just keep pushing, moving forward. For us and the group, seeing this win and seeing it through is great for us."