Despite a re-draft suggesting another player, the Spurs remain committed to Dylan Harper's immense potential, building their future around him and Wembanyama.
The San Antonio Spurs selected Rutgers' superstar guard Dylan Harper with the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he will most likely be one of the centerpieces of the team moving forward.
But if the team had the chance, would they change the choice they made?
In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley, he does a redo of this past NBA Draft. And with the No. 2 pick, he thinks the Spurs would take former Duke Blue Devil Kon Knueppel if given another shot.
"Spurs fans might disagree here, and honestly, their decision-makers might, too. That's fine. This isn't anti-Harper adjustment, it's just a holy-crap-Knueppel-is-awesome acknowledgement," Buckley writes. "And while it's early in the draft to talk about need, let's just point out the Spurs would find it easier giving minutes to a shot-making wing like Knueppel than they have a space-constricting combo guard in Harper (21.5 minutes a night)."
Knueppel’s rookie campaign has been impressive to say the least.
His perimeter shooting and scoring efficiency have translated quickly to the NBA level, and his ability to space the floor would theoretically complement franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama. In a vacuum, adding an elite off-ball shooter next to a generational interior presence is an easy argument to make.
But draft decisions aren’t made in a vacuum — they’re made with long-term vision in mind.
The Spurs didn’t draft Harper simply for short-term fit. They drafted him for his ceiling. His size, shot-creation ability, and potential as a primary initiator give San Antonio something every contender eventually needs: another player who can bend defenses off the dribble.
Harper’s development curve may require patience, but that’s never scared this organization. San Antonio has built its reputation on long-term growth rather than immediate returns. While Knueppel’s shooting would have been a clean roster fit today, Harper’s upside could ultimately prove more valuable tomorrow.
The former Scarlet Knight is averaging 11 points on 46 percent shooting from the field, and he has done so while not starting a single game yet. While his outside shooting has left a bit to be desired, that is something that will come with time and experience in the league.
So while Knueppel’s strong start deserves recognition, there’s no reason for San Antonio to second-guess its choice. Harper remains a foundational piece with the tools to grow alongside Wembanyama for years to come.