ESPN survey praises the Spurs’ rookies Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.
SAN ANTONIO — ESPN recently surveyed 20 anonymous NBA executives and scouts about the incoming 2025 rookie class, and San Antonio Spurs‘ Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant fared well.
Harper came in second in the survey in the race for the Rookie of the Year behind the Mavs’ Cooper Flagg.
He was also second in proving to be the draft’s best pick outside of Flagg, trailing the 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe.
San Antonio’s Harper, the No. 2 pick out of Rutgers, garnered six votes, with some viewing the Spurs as a strong landing spot despite a crowded backcourt situation, with Harper joining 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and recently acquired De’Aaron Fox in the mix. Harper’s pick-and-roll prowess and crafty, powerful style of play made him the choice for the Spurs, who have been optimizing for additional playmaking around Victor Wembanyama moving forward. Even if he winds up coming off the bench as a rookie, Harper projects as a foundational long-term player.
Bryant also picked up votes in proving to be the draft’s best pick outside of Flagg. However, he came in at No. 1 to prove to be the draft’s biggest steal with five votes.
“[Bryant] will turn into an impact wing defender that can make 3’s and be a part of their core,” one Eastern Conference scout said. “We’ll look back in several years while the Spurs are winning big, and people will mention them drafting Castle at four [in 2024] and Bryant at 14 to pair defensively with Victor as [draft] steals.”
Overall, San Antonio’s rookies opened eyes at the summer league.
Harper proved to be everything he was touted as, with quickness, the ability to score at the rim, craftiness, and the capability to be a capable floor leader.
Bryant proved to be a defensive monster, and in his final summer game, he recorded 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while shooting the ball well, going 6-9 from the field and 4-6 from the three-point line.
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