Dylan Harper: The Spurs’ New Promise Ensures a Bright Future
Amidst the fervor of the “Spurs Family Cookout” at the Victory Capital Performance Center, rookie Dylan Harper, selected second overall, sent a hopeful message to Spurs fans, eager to break the six-year playoff drought.Harper, who will wear number 2, previously associated with Kawhi Leonard, also expressed his confidence in the impact he can have on the franchise. San Antonio has selected the last two NBA Rookie of the Year award winners, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. No team has managed to produce three consecutive winners of this award.“That will change very quickly. We are going to make the playoffs. I think for 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 have.”
Dylan Harper
Harper had the opportunity to train with NBA legends, such as Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich, and Manu Ginobili.“I don’t feel pressure [to win ROY], but I definitely want to keep that. That’s definitely one of my goals. Probably my biggest goal is simply to improve every day, go day by day, step by step, and learn from everyone I can.”
Dylan Harper
Carter Bryant, selected at the 14th position, also joins the team. Bryant, an athletic forward with “3-and-D” skills from Arizona, has known Harper since high school. Bryant’s uncle, D’Cean, was Kawhi Leonard’s coach in high school.“I’m training and I see Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich, and Manu Ginobili. That’s not something you see in any other organization. Growing up, this is one of the teams you always wanted to play for. Seeing their dynasty, [you want to] keep building on those titles and add some more”.
Dylan Harper
Harper and Bryant will debut in the California Summer League on July 5 in San Francisco against the Miami Heat, and Harper aims to “win every game we play.” Despite Harper’s confidence, General Manager Brian Wright has praised his humility.“I don’t know much about the city, but [the Spurs] marked my childhood. Growing up, I was a big Kawhi fan. I loved Timmy D. That was my uncle’s favorite player. I just loved basketball growing up. So, everyone knew who Tony Parker, Manu, David Robinson and all those guys were. Growing up and seeing that dynasty somehow paved the way for the rest of my childhood. There were many great franchises that came after. But they were the beginning. For me, being in the position to be selected by them and being able to continue the legacy of what those before me brought is beautiful”.
Carter Bryant
“I think my confidence and all that comes from all the work I’ve done. I feel like I’m one of the people who works the hardest [out there]. I just know how much work I put in. You still have to be humble because as quickly as you get it all, everything can disappear”.
Dylan Harper
