The Spurs rookie will face tough competition if he wants to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs used the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to select guard Dylan Harper out of Rutgers.
Harper joins a team loaded with young talent from Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson and more, and it is believed he will be a key rotational player once the 2025-26 season begins.
But will he take home the Rookie of the Year Award in a loaded NBA rookie class?
According to oddsmakers, he has a shot.
BetMGM released early odds on which rookie will take home the coveted award. The newest member of the Spurs landed fourth on the list with +1100 odds, with Dallas’ Cooper Flagg with the best odds at -225.
Harper will have to play well on the court if he wants to challenge for the award.
He is already behind Castle and De’Aaron Fox in a crowded guard lineup, which might hurt his chances, considering he may not be one of the top options for plays. Wemby, Devin Vassell and others are likely candidates to have their names called first in the court.
In other words, his usage rate may not be high next season.
Additionally, Utah rookie Ace Bailey will likely slide into a high-usage role on a struggling team, giving him ample opportunities to challenge for the Rookie of the Year Award.
However, Spurs’ General Manager Brian Wright noted that Harper relishes being part of a team and values that over individual recognition following the draft.
The Spurs boast back-to-back Rookie of the Year Award winners (Wemby and Castle), and Harper could make it three straight next season. But this will be an ultra-competitive chase with several quality rookies vying for the award.