Spurs Injury Update: MRI Reveals Dylan Harper Avoids Major Damage as SA Rookie's Extended Absence Set to Affect his ROTY Push

San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper will miss multiple weeks due to a left calf strain he suffered during Sunday's 130-118 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, an MRI on Monday revealed that the 2025 No. 2 pick did not suffer significant damage. While there is no specific timeline for his return, Harper reportedly avoided an extended time off the court.

Harper left during the second quarter of Sunday's game. He sustained the injury while defending a dunk by the Suns' Nick Richards. Harper landed awkwardly and was limping as he made his way to the locker room. San Antonio announced at halftime that the 6-foot-5 rookie will miss the remainder of the game. Harper finished with 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting in 11 minutes.

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The San Antonio Express-News reported that Harper was in a walking boot and was aided by crutches as he left the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. His MRI was performed in Los Angeles.

While Harper avoided a significant knee injury, his extended absence could affect his Rookie of the Year campaign. San Antonio has two of the most recent ROTY winners: Victor Wembanyama in 2023-24 and Stephon Castle last season.

Dylan Harper adds to the Spurs' injury woes

Before suffering their first loss on Sunday, the San Antonio Spurs won five straight games to start the season. Dylan Harper was key to the team's hot start, averaging 14.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 48.2% shooting, including 35.7% from 3-point range in those five wins.

Harper saw increased playing time (25.8 mpg) as one-time NBA All-Star De'Aaron Fox is still recovering from a strained right hamstring. In addition, San Antonio has several other injured players: Jeremy Sochan (sprained left wrist), Luke Kornet (sprained left ankle), Kelly Olynyk (left heel surgery) and Lindy Waters III (eye procedure).

With Dylan Harper expected to be out indefinitely, Julian Champagnie is expected to have an increased role in the Spurs' backcourt, while rising stars Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell are projected to fill the void offensively.

The Spurs next face the LA Lakers on Wednesday.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos