Dylan Harper Talks About First Spurs Impressions

After missing the Spurs‘ first game of the Las Vegas Summer League, Dylan Harper is expected to make his debut on Saturday, writes Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press (via Twitter).

The minor groin injury Harper is dealing with also caused him to miss the team’s games in the California Classic. However, just because he hasn’t been playing in games doesn’t mean his education has been on hold.

Marc J. Spears of Andscape writes that Harper’s training in San Antonio has included becoming acquainted with the franchise’s legends like Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan.

“It caught me off guard,” Harper said about seeing those two walk into the practice facility. “I was like, ‘What are they doing here?’ I was like, ‘Maybe they’re just here this one day?’ And they’re like, ‘No, they are here all the time.’ And so, when they talk about the Spurs’ organization and their culture, that’s really what culture is.”

Perhaps the most interesting part of Harper’s first off-season education has been his work with fellow lefty guard Manu Ginobili, with whom Harper says he’s spent every day asking questions.

“I talk to him the most,” Harper said. “More about just the game and the speed and just how he adapted to it from a FIBA standpoint to coming over here. What was his biggest changes being a player and being professional outside of basketball? What kept you locked in? Just all little things I think that every NBA player goes through.”

Coming from a basketball family, with a father, Ron Harper Sr., who was a 15-year NBA veteran, a mother who was a college basketball player, and a brother entering his fourth year in the league, Harper is entering the league with a strong basketball foundation. The Spurs are clearly committed to ensuring that it is only a starting point for the young guard with sky-high potential.