Dylan Harper: NBA Draft Projection & Spurs Fit
The San Antonio spurs could draft Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick, a move mirroring the Sacramento Kings‘ 2020 draft of Tyrese Haliburton, despite having De’Aaron Fox. This bold strategy prioritizes talent,possibly creating an exciting backcourt alongside Victor Wembanyama. Should the Spurs select Harper, he could address their biggest need, while also mirroring the Haliburton narrative. News Directory 3 provides in-depth analysis of this unfolding story, and how it affects the Spurs. Weighing the potential fit, how will Harper’s arrival evolve the team dynamics? Discover what’s next as the draft approaches.
Spurs Consider Dylan Harper in NBA Draft, Echoing Kings’ Haliburton Pick
Updated June 6, 2025
The San Antonio Spurs find themselves in a familiar position heading into the NBA Draft, reminiscent of the
Sacramento kings’ 2020 dilemma. With the No. 2 pick, the Spurs are considering drafting Rutgers guard Dylan
Harper, a move that could parallel the Kings’ selection of Tyrese Haliburton despite already having De’Aaron
Fox.
After trading for Fox earlier this year to pair with Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs unexpectedly landed the No. 2
pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. Harper is heavily favored to be selected at No. 2. This mirrors the Kings’
situation when thay drafted Haliburton, a projected top-10 pick who surprisingly fell to No. 12.
The Kings traded Haliburton partly due to an awkward fit with Fox. During the 2020-21 season, their shared
court time resulted in a negative net rating. Sacramento’s decision to draft Haliburton was seen as
prioritizing the best player available, a strategy they had previously avoided when they drafted Marvin Bagley
lll over Luka Dončić due to positional fit.
The Spurs’ situation is unique, as their biggest need was initially seen as a wing player. Though, landing
the No. 2 pick gives them the opportunity to add a premium talent like harper. The irony is that the Dallas
Mavericks, who needed a point guard after trading Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving’s injury, missed out on the top
picks.
Rumors have also linked the Spurs to Milwaukee Bucks’ giannis Antetokounmpo, with the No. 2 pick perhaps
being part of a trade package. Irrespective, Harper’s potential fit with teams like the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn
Nets makes him a valuable asset.
Despite the potential fit concerns, drafting the best player available, like Dylan Harper, often proves more
prosperous than prioritizing positional needs. If Harper joins the Spurs, he might come off the bench initially,
similar to Haliburton’s early career.
What’s next
the Spurs will need to weigh the potential of Dylan Harper against their existing roster and team needs as the
NBA Draft approaches. The decision could shape the future of the franchise and its ability to contend in the
Western Conference.