Picked second overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dylan Harper hasn't been given as many chances as some of his first-year peers.
For about 15 minutes at the start of the season, I thought Dylan Harper would be a lock to win Rookie of the Year. After all, in his debut for the San Antonio Spurs, he posted 15 efficient points off the bench to go with four rebounds and two assists.
First overall pick Cooper Flagg, who was playing against the Spurs, racked up a ten-point double-double, but shot only 30% from the floor. The Spurs won that game, 125-92. It was an impressive outing for Harper, but then I checked my phone.
At the same time Harper was lighting it up, Philadelphia 76ers' guard VJ Edgecombe dropped 34 points in his debut, jumping out to a quick lead in Rookie of the Year Rankings. At the time, Harper was second, although his odds have dropped as the season goes on.
Why Dylan Harper's Odds Slipped
Presently, Harper is tied with Jeremy Fears for fourth in Rookie of the Year odds, at +5000. Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Edgecombe are ahead of the two guards.
It makes sense. All of those players are starters, and Harper comes off the bench. Per game, he is tenth in points and sixth in assists among rookies, and while he does contribute to winning, it's pretty clear that the Spurs would be in the playoff picture even without him on the roster.
Long-term, Harper is a key player who is expected to be the point guard of the future in San Antonio. For now? Players offered bigger roles lead the way, which makes sense.
The Dallas Mavericks are giving Flagg every opportunity to show off, and that reflects in the awards odds. Of course, the Mavericks aren't winning games, and the Spurs are, so maybe giving a teenager full control of the offense doesn't pay off.
After a hot start in his debut, Harper has remained a productive bench player, although his efficiency has taken a hit, and he's the Spurs' eighth man, behind both Luke Kornet and Keldon Johnson, who are among the best backups in the NBA.
Last season, the Spurs became the second team in league history to boast back-to-back Rookies of the Year, joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, who boasted Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. It doesn't look like the Spurs will become the first team with three in a row, although with the best playoff chances between them, the M<avericks, the 76ers, and the New Orleans Pelicans, it's safe to say fans would rather take the team success.