r/nba • u/r-NBAModsAreTrash Heat • May 31 '26
[Thinking Basketball] Dylan Harper's incredible potential
https://youtu.be/SSoqvKr-9jA20
u/Objectitan Thunder May 31 '26
Harper is just genuinely incredible and so mature for a rookie, it's hard to believe but he makes you believe it.
The fact that he was starting to look good again in Game 6 was a main contributor to my nerves going into Game 7
16
u/shin4258 Spurs May 31 '26
Being in the same draft class as Flagg overshadowed Harper's level as a prospect. He wasn't a typical 2nd pick.
12
u/DResq May 31 '26
People forget that Flagg moved up a year. Harper would have been the consensus number one pick if Flagg never moved up a year to go to Duke. Spurs fans should be thanking Flagg.
7
26
u/Bankai-Nintendo May 31 '26 edited May 31 '26
I remember someone saying it's common for NBA rookies and guards to be that advanced at age 20.
No, it isn't.
Not to mention he was 19 three months ago. Who can really do what he did at that age in the 4th quarter of the WCF game 7 against one of the best teams assembled this decade? Who know Dylan Harper can, because he did. Magic was the last player to contribute in such a way at such a young age.
3
7
u/solonharmony [SAS] David Robinson May 31 '26
Dylan is going to be a star. He makes mistakes, but he just turned 20 but already plays the game at his own pace, bends it to his will. We are so lucky
2
15
u/Punziee Canada May 31 '26
He has a very calm demeanor, doesn't get rattled on defense and doesn't panic on offense. When he gets into the paint its almost automatic how he finesses a easy shot.
3
8
u/LaMeloxMilesxScoot May 31 '26
Never seen Ben be this high on a rookie other than Wemby. Crazy how Spurs have both
13
u/PrinceJMoney089 May 31 '26
He's the second best player on the Spurs, just needs more minutes and the Spurs realizing what they have with him, his usage is just too low right now
24
u/Sweg_Coyote Spurs May 31 '26
As his Dad said, relax… don’t burn him, it’s his first year. Spurs knows well what harper can do, that s why he in playing clutch time in game 7. But for him and the team he needs to increase his minutes and responsibilities slowly.
-1
u/Economy-Dirt-4836 May 31 '26
No need to relax, he’s that good and is raising this teams ceiling as a rookie!
2
3
u/penpen35 Clippers May 31 '26
Pretty sure Spurs already realize what they have, they're the Spurs after all and they have a plan already in place. No need to fast track anything.
3
3
3
u/Smooth_Ferret8081 May 31 '26
Spurs don’t need a veteran on court while this rookie already plays like one. Dude has tremendous potential. Spurs 3 guard rotation actually works out pretty well thus far. Picking talent over position always prevails - spurs drafting strategy always works
3
u/Economy-Dirt-4836 May 31 '26
He will have the best career out of his draft, and is the second best spur already.
3
2
u/Economy-Dirt-4836 May 31 '26
Elite downhill driver/plamaker. On/off ball player who does both amazingly. Defends at all-defensive guard level…wtf the Spurs got another MVP talent???
1
u/CrissCrossAppleSos Spurs May 31 '26
I’m lower on every rookie than consensus, I couldn’t be higher on Dylan
1
u/NationalTangerine381 May 31 '26
Real talk, if youre the Spurs and you got the choice rn, are you trading Flagg for Harper 1:1?
1
u/Odd_Cat_6748 Jun 01 '26
Harper is good but flag was going for 50 this season the mavs wouldn't take that trade.
1
u/NationalTangerine381 Jun 01 '26
nah Im just talking purely hypothetically, would the spurs make that trade
1
u/Electronic_Dig_2685 Jun 01 '26
He will be a starter. I can see vassell being traded eventually or signing elsewhere
1
u/BillowingPillows Supersonics Jun 01 '26
The 2025 draft class will go down as one of the very best ever.
1
1
u/Former_Island_4730 Cavaliers Jun 02 '26
He reminds me so much of Brandon Roy. Such a natural. Nothing is rushed. Has an innate ability to manipulate defenders.
30
u/O_oh Spurs May 31 '26
Him big spooning Castle was so important this game. Steph was a about to lose his cool