4 hours ago
1
Dylan Harper has some high expectations for his new team.
Harper, who was selected by the Spurs with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, said that the team will make the playoffs next season.
The Rutgers standout made these claims during his introductory press conference with the Spurs on Saturday.
“That’s going to change really quick,” Harper told reporters. “We’re going to make the playoffs. I think for the Spurs fans and everyone else, our group is very exciting. There’s a lot to look forward to. The sky’s the limit for this group we’ve got.”
Along with his bold prediction, Harper shouted out his new teammates Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle for making NBA history in being back-to-back Rookie of the Year award winners.
Harper, 19, has a chance to become the third straight winner of the award for the Spurs, a feat that no NBA team has done.
“I don’t think I feel no pressure [to win ROY], but I definitely want to keep that going,” Harper said. “That’s definitely a goal of mine. Probably my biggest goal is just getting better every day, taking it day by day, step by step, and just learning from everyone I can.”
Harper also acknowledged a trio of Spurs legends that he saw during his first training session with the team on Friday, saying how much it means to be playing for such a revered organization.
“I’m working out, and I randomly see Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich and Manu Ginobili,” Harper said. “That’s not something you’ll see in any other organization. Growing up, this is one of the teams you always wanted to play for.
“Seeing their dynasty, [you] just keep wanting to build on those banners and want to add a few more.”
During his only season with the Scarlet Knights, Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while making the All-Big Ten team for his freshman campaign.
Harper is set to debut at the California Summer League on July 5, with the guard saying he plans “to win every game we play.”
“I think my confidence and all that comes from all the work I’ve put in,” Harper said. “I feel like I’m one of the hardest working people out [there]. I just know how much work I put in. You’ve still got to be humble because just [as] quick as you get everything, everything can go away.”
English (US)