Spurs fans cheered as Dylan Harper was taken with the No. 2 pick, igniting hopes for a playoff return.
SAN ANTONIO — Many Spurs faithful were hoping that the team’s No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft would turn out to be Dylan Harper.
And while that expectation was met, it didn’t take away from the excitement in the air at the team’s official watch party at The Rock at La Cantera, more than 1,800 miles away from where Harper put on a San Antonio cap for the first time Wednesday evening.
Gorje Jimenez and his friends chanted Harper’s name leading up to the announcement. When it was made official, the crowd erupted into cheers.
“We got help for Wemby. We got what we need,” Jimenez said. “We need one more big man and we’re good to go.”
Santana Herrera believes Harper can help bring the Spurs back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-2019 season. Not a single player remains from that squad as San Antonio has started rebuilding through the draft, becoming one of the league’s youngest teams along the way.
“I’m glad we got Harper,” Herrera said. “Harper—he’s our guy.”
Still, many fans were unsure what the Spurs would do with the 14th overall pick. It was eventually announced that the Spurs took Arizona’s Carter Bryant, and the crowd responded with just as much energy.
“I’m really excited. It’s going to be a really good year,” said fan Faith Mesa.
PHOTOS: Spurs Draft Party at The Rock at La Cantera
One thing was clear: Each fan shared a strong sense of hope and enthusiasm for this young Spurs team.
“San Antonio, we love our city, we love the Spurs. As you can see, everybody is here supporting what we love,” Jimenez said.
And they had a message for the new guys:
“Hey, help Wemby out,” Herrera said. “Do your thing.”