Dylan Harper will miss the California Classic due to a minor injury, but is eager to start winning.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper’s Summer League debut is on hold, as he will not suit up during the 2025 California Classic games. However, he is eager to take his first steps in the NBA.
“Whole point of Summer League is getting your feet wet,” he said. “Just going out there and winning, competing, just being your best self.”
A Spurs spokesman said the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is sidelined with what the Spurs describe as a “minor groin injury.” He is expected to play in the Vegas Summer League, where he is sure to show that he is more than ready for the NBA.
“First, I want to win every game we play,” he said. “So I definitely just want to go out there with the mentality.”
Despite not playing with his team in California, Harper is already establishing the winning tone in just his first days of practice.
“He’s a competitor. I’m a competitor,” rookie Carter Bryant said. “That’s all you can ask from your peers. Just want to compete at a high level.”
The Spurs’ Summer League opener is against Miami on Saturday, and Harper’s debut could be on July 10 against the 76ers in Las Vegas.
“When he speaks, everybody listens,” Bryant said about his teammate. “There are no negotiations, no speaking over him. He has that kind of presence.”
Said Summer League coach Nick Moyes: “You can already hear his vocal leadership, so we’re excited for whenever he does rejoin us.”
However, with Summer League games holding little importance compared to resting Harper so he is ready for the upcoming season, you can expect the team to play him for a few games and sit him out for the remainder of the Vegas games.
However, if and when he does take to the court in the coming weeks, he will demonstrate the competitive spirit that made him a highly touted player entering the league.
“Just got to do whatever I got to do to help my team win,” he said.