Much of the talk about the 2025 draft class has been about Duke’s sensation, Cooper Flagg, and rightfully so. The 18-year-old Maine native is above his peers in this draft class, but not too far behind is Rutgers star Dylan Harper.
Harper, together with his Rutgers teammate, Ace Bailey, are projected to be top-five picks, with outlets having Harper as high as the number two pick. Harper averaged 19.4 points per game with 4.6 rebounds and four assists in his only year at Rutgers, and his game has brought about comparisons with some NBA stars.
James Harden or Jalen Brunson: Dylan Harper Draws NBA Comparisons After Combine
Harper is a combo guard known for his poised ball-handling, playmaking abilities, and developing shooting. He’s a skilled ball-handler who can navigate pick-and-rolls effectively, read defenses, and make intelligent passes. He also possesses a good feel for the game and understands how to manipulate defenses with his footwork and body control.
His finishing skills and overall scoring ability that has drawn comparisons in NBA circles to a young James Harden. He’s an unselfish player with solid floor vision and timing who always keeps his eyes up when he has the ball; an ever-important trait needed for good lead guard play which made some outlets compare him to Jalen Brunson or Cade Cunningham.
Rutgers’ Dylan Harper’s official measurements from the NBA Draft Combine:
6’4 1/2 barefoot, 213.2 lbs with a 6’10 ½” wingspan and 8’6″ standing reach
Harper grew half an inch from Hoop Summit, while shedding 15 pounds. Impressive measurements for a point guard. pic.twitter.com/1mvtodvmS8
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 12, 2025
“Rutgers’ Dylan Harper’s official measurements from the NBA Draft Combine: 6’4 1/2″ barefoot, 213.2 lbs with a 6’10 ½” wingspan and 8’6″ standing reach. Harper grew half an inch from Hoop Summit, while shedding 15 pounds. Impressive measurements for a point guard,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony wrote.
With Spurs getting the number two pick, Harper could be on his way to San Antonio, a team that is currently loaded with young and talented NBA stars such as the last two Rookie of the year winners, Stephon Castle and Victor Wembayama.
Harper can play both on and off the ball. He is an elite ball handler and passer, and the Spurs can use him, alongside De’Aaron Fox and Castle, to generate as many open looks for Wembanyama as possible. He drained 36.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes at Rutgers, and he is a solid off-ball scorer who can get open in the corner or on the wing.
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If his development progresses as expected, the Spurs might three-peat the Rookie of the Year Award.
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