Dylan Harper was born in 2006, long after his father retired from the NBA and long after Tim Duncan won his final MVP award, but he certainly remembers the back half of the San Antonio Spurs' dynasty.
In 2014, the Spurs toppled LeBron James and the Miami Heat in one of the most lopsided NBA Finals ever, getting revenge for their heartbreaking loss the year prior. At the time, Harper was eight years old, just starting his basketball journey.
11 years after winning their last title, the Spurs picked Harper second overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Harper, and everyone else, knew long before his name was called that he would wind up in San Antonio, and he couldn't imagine a better landing spot.
Of course, everyone wants to play next to Victor Wembanyama, but even before Wemby arrived, the Spurs were known for winning, even if they haven't done much of it in recent years.
“I’m grateful to be in this position to be part of this organization," Harper said after being drafted. "Growing up, this was one of the teams you always wanted to play for. Seeing their dynasty and building on the banners, I want to add a few more."
While the Spurs aren't favored to win the Finals this year, it's only a matter of time. With Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, star De'Aaron Fox, top prospect Harper, and a solid role-playing cast around Wembanyama, the Spurs are expected to be back on top, and Harper will play a massive role in their future successes.
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