The Spurs Kept It Simple, And Won Big-Time In First Round Of NBA Draft

Forbes

4 hours ago

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Dylan Harper (R) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) ... More after being drafted second overall by the San Antonio Spurs during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
The first round of the 2025 NBA draft has come and gone, and the San Antonio Spurs - who came in armed with #2 and #14 - walked away as big winners by simply taking the best available player at each position.
Let's get into it.
Dylan Harper, #2
Look, it might have been obvious, but given that the Spurs were rumored to be considering a trade at that spot, sticking with the pick is a win.
Harper is a big 6'6 lead-guard, with a 6'10 wingspan, who has All-NBA upside, and could become the perfect long-term partner for Victor Wembanyama.
The son of former NBA star Ron Harper, Dylan has played like a seasoned veteran since stepping onto the scene at Rutgers.
He's an uncanny shot-maker near the basket, is an underrated playmaker, has significant defensive upside, and his 220-pound frame is able to absorb contact as he goes in for shots.
While his three-point shooting still needs some work, there's nothing fundamentally wrong with his mechanics, and an organization like the Spurs should be able to iron things out, and optimize his capabilities in that area.
Carter Bryant, #14
With the final pick in the lottery, the Spurs went with Bryant, a 6'8 wing out of Arizona who has a 7-foot wingspan.
Bryant will fool a lot of people, as his numbers (6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds) look extremely pedestrian.
But there's a reason for it. His role was never to be one of the main offensive pillars, but instead function as a defensive-minded role player, who'd occasionally hit some long-range shots.
He did so at a 37.1% clip, and the role he'll play in San Antonio is likely going to mimic the one he played in college.
Bryant's defensive skills are noteworthy. He'll overpower offensive players via his 215-pound frame, play passing lanes, block shots, and he can switch into virtually everyone.
With the Spurs in need of both long-range shooting, and defensive wing depth, Bryant was not only the best available player, but also represented the best fit. Sometimes things just work out.
Day 2 of the draft
The Spurs have no picks in the second round, but seeing as Saint Joseph's forward Rasheer Fleming is still on the board, it would behoove them to explore trading into the second round, to see if they can become the new home for the 6'10 power forward.
But, even if they don't, and Day 2 is silent for San Antonio, they still come away as winners.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.