Just weeks after the San Antonio Spurs picked Rutgers standout Dylan Harper second overall in the 2025 NBA draft, they received a disappointing update. Harper’s much-anticipated Summer League debut has been put on hold.
The rookie guard will miss the California Classic due to a minor groin injury, according to team sources, NBA insider Don Harris reported. The injury is not considered serious and there is still hope Harper will suit up in Las Vegas later this month.
Dylan Harper has a minor groin issue. Won’t play in the California summer league. Team hopeful he will play in Las Vegas.
— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) July 1, 2025
After learning this update, fans expressed everything from frustration to heartbreak. Some were humorous responses while others had pain in them.
One fan wrote: “Oh hell nah.”
Another added: “Nooooo. Wanted to see him play so bad. But hope it doesn’t linger and heals up soon.”
@bauminater commented: “The sky is falling. Well, for today.”
@AuwaerterD9040 said: “Already injury prone?”
The bad timing was too much for some to take.
@karatedan wrote: “First Yabu then Mamu now Dylanu i can’t take this Don.”
@indraephe adds: “Ah elah.. Blm jg maen dah cedera aja.” (Translation from Indonesian: “Damn.. He hasn’t even played yet and he’s already injured.”)
@eli320123 wrote: “So do we get to see him vs Cooper Flagg or no?”
@GoneFishinnnnn commented: “Bummer, hopefully he can play in Vegas.”
@Team_Valdes posted: “How did I know lol. Spurs are going to Spur.”
Dylan Harper’s Injury Will Mean Opportunity For Someone Else To Get The Spotlight On Spurs
The Spurs will be facing the Miami Heat on Saturday to open the California Classic of the Summer League. The team is scheduled to play the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings before heading to Las Vegas, where Dylan Harper is expected to line up.
While Harper will travel with the team, he won’t be on the court. In Harper’s absence, the Spurs’ other first-round pick, forward Carter Bryant, will catch the spotlight. Before his No. 14 selection, Bryant, in his only season with Arizona, averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.0 block per game. He shot 46.0%, including 37.1% from beyond the arc in 37 appearances.
Throughout the Summer League, Harper’s status will continuously be monitored as they view him as a building block who, alongside Victor Wembanyama, can take the Spurs to the top.
Harper is coming off a standout freshman season with Rutgers, where he averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game across 29 appearances. Harper shot 48.4%, including 33.3% from 3-point range.
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