Spurs Rookie Dylan Harper Expects Bench Role Mirroring Harden's Thunder Arc

The San Antonio Spurs, after acquiring Dylan Harper as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, face a roster logjam at the guard position with Harper potentially coming off the bench behind De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. Harper, a 19-year-old Rutgers guard, embraces this role, comparing his situation to James Harden's early years with the Oklahoma City Thunder when Harden came off the bench before blossoming into an MVP candidate. Harper's rookie rating in NBA2K26 is 78 overall, second among rookies, underscoring his potential despite the expected limited starting opportunities in his first season. The Spurs' young core, including Victor Wembanyma, Fox, Castle, and Harper, is considered one of the league's most promising, with Harper's mature attitude and team-first mindset praised by Spurs GM Brian Wright. The team's projected starting backcourt for 2025-26 is likely to feature Fox and Castle, with Harper providing depth and growth potential off the bench. Additionally, the Spurs will debut a new Statement Edition jersey next season, featuring a gray colorway and black trim, as revealed by NBA2K26 ahead of any official announcements.