The San Antonio Spurs now have an interesting dilemma after Dylan Harper’s Summer League debut.
Everyone knew the Dallas Mavericks would select Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, so the Spurs had the first real decision to make.
With the second pick, San Antonio selected Harper out of Rutgers University because he was seemingly the best player available.
He played his first game against the Mavericks on Saturday night and left the Spurs management with something else to think about.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesDylan Harper impresses in Summer League debut for San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs’ decision to select Harper ahead of the likes of V.J. Edgecombe and Ace Bailey was somewhat controversial.
It’s still far too early to say whether they made the right call, but he made an excellent first impression against the Mavs.
He put up 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists in just 19 minutes in his Summer League debut, as well as two steals and one block.
Harper was outshone by Flagg, who scored 31, but he did his reputation no harm by leading the Spurs to a 76-69 win.
Photo by G Fiume/Getty ImagesSan Antonio Spurs must make difficult Dylan Harper decision
The Spurs made the sensible decision to take the best player available (Harper) in the draft because they are still a long way from contending.
However, they do now have a plethora of quality backcourt options: De’Aaron Fox, Stephen Castle, Devin Vassell, and Harper.
Assuming that Fox starts and Vassell comes off the bench, head coach Mitch Johnson will need to choose between Castle and Harper.
Castle won the Rookie of the Year award last season and would surely feel hard done by if he were demoted to a sixth man role.
Harper might not be so offended because he’s new to the team, but he probably has more potential, especially on the offensive end. Someone will have to miss out.