Picked second overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Dylan Harper has been limited to a bench role with the San Antonio Spurs, although there's one responsibility that he doesn't mind at all.
The San Antonio Spurs pushed their winning streak to ten games on Wednesday, beating the Toronto Raptors on the road 110-107. The Spurs entered the fourth quarter down 15 points, although Victor Wembanyama swatted three shots and De'Aaron Fox got hot in the final frame, giving the Spurs a narrow win.
Despite missing two critical free throws in the final minutes, Dylan Harper was a hero of the game for the Spurs. Off the bench, he posted 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
He might have an unconventional role for a second overall pick, but he doesn't mind being asked to do less than most players in his position.
Dylan Harper Doesn't Mind Taking a Back Seat
Most second-overall picks are expected to take over as the face of the franchise. Remember the hype surrounding Brandon Miller, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Green, and even Alex Sarr before they entered the league?
Harper was touted as an elite guard prospect with shades of Cade Cunningham, although the depth the Spurs already have at point guard has caused him to remain on the bench, leading the second unit alongside Keldon Johnson and Luke Kornet.
Harper doesn't mind playing a smaller role and has totally bought into the main mission of everyone on the roster: put Wemby in a position to succeed.
"I think that we all can score," said Harper of the Spurs' backcourt rotation. "That's the beauty of this team, we all can dribble the ball. We have a bunch of ball handlers and a bunch of scorers. Every night's not going to be a big night [for Wembanyama], so just for us as a collective group just to come and help him out however we can is great for us."
While Wembanyama got hot on the defensive side of the ball in the fourth quarter, he had a rough offensive night, finishing with only 12 points on three made shots.
Harper knows that when Wemby isn't his usual, dominant self, it's up to the ugard trio to step up and shoulder a bigger load.
"When Fox and Steph start the game, we've got two of the best guards in the NBA," Harper added. "And I think when I come off the bench, I think that's just another weapon we have. It opens the floor for everyone, including Vic. And I think when Vic has all that pressure on him, and two people go to him, it just opens a world for us."