Dylan Harper seeks Manu Ginobili’s advice on NBA adaptation

Jul 12, 2025 2:05 AM

Dylan Harper, who missed the San Antonio Spurs’ opening game at the Las Vegas Summer League due to a minor groin injury, is now expected to make his debut on Saturday, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press (via Twitter).

This injury also sidelined him during the team’s appearances at the California Classic. However, despite his absence from game action, the Spurs rookie’s learning process has been far from paused.

Marc J. Spears of Andscape highlights that Harper’s time training in San Antonio has provided him with a unique chance to connect with some of the franchise’s most iconic figures, including Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan.

Harper described the experience as surprising and eye-opening, saying, “It caught me off guard. I was like, ‘What are they doing here?’ I was like, ‘Maybe they’re just here this one day?’ And they’re like, ‘No, they are here all the time.’ And so, when they talk about the Spurs’ organization and their culture, that’s really what culture is.”

One of the most valuable aspects of Harper’s initial offseason education has been his daily work alongside fellow left-handed guard and Spurs legend Manu Ginobili.

The young guard shared that he has been asking Ginobili many questions to better understand the game and the adjustments needed to succeed in the NBA.

“I talk to him the most,” Harper said. “More about just the game and the speed and just how he adapted to it from a FIBA standpoint to coming over here. What was his biggest changes being a player and being professional outside of basketball? What kept you locked in? Just all little things I think that every NBA player goes through.”

With a deep basketball pedigree – his father, Ron Harper Sr., enjoyed a 15-year NBA career, his mother played college basketball, and his brother is entering his fourth NBA season – Harper enters the league with a strong foundation.

The Spurs appear dedicated to helping him build on that foundation, seeing it as only the beginning for this promising young guard.