The Spurs‘ No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft, Dylan Harper, underwent surgery on Friday, reports Shams Charania for ESPN (via Twitter). The procedure addressed a partially torn ligament in the guard’s left thumb.
The hope is that the surgery will allow Harper to return in time for San Antonio’s October 22 season opener against the Mavericks. However, it will prevent the rookie point guard from participating in training camp, a crucial development step for any young player.
According to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, Harper sustained the injury during an offseason workout in the Spurs’ practice facility on Wednesday. Team sources suggest Harper is considered unlikely to play during San Antonio’s preseason, McDonald adds.
The highly touted guard was expected to come off the bench behind De’Aaron Fox to start the season. If Harper is forced to miss regular-season time, the team will have to rely on its guard rotation of Jordan McLaughlin and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle to handle backup point guard duties (Castle also figures to start alongside Fox).
Wow already !!!!! get well player.
Harper can learn plenty from Fox for two yrs. Really the best way to bring along a lottery pick.
Obviously not following the Spurs too much, but Castlr and Fox will both start. They will share PG duties assuming both will play 32 to 36 minutes per game as is Spurs norm.
Waive McLaughlin and Potter
Sign Patty Mills and any young PF 19-21
This is exactly why you don’t immediately run to trade Fox like so many nincompoops stated after we got Harper. This holds absolutely zero impact on the quality of the Spurs start to the season.
Get better Harp, we’ll need ya on the back half of your first season.