Due to late absences from Devin Vassell (sore right hamstring) and Stephon Castle (right hip tightness), San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper earned the first start of his career in Saturday’s win over the Indiana Pacers, as reported by Tom Orsborn of San Antonio Express-News.
Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, shook off early nerves and delivered an efficient performance with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting, along with four rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers in 28 minutes.
Orsborn notes that head coach Mitch Johnson highlighted Harper’s potential, while also mentioning areas for improvement, including four fouls and a couple of defensive lapses that led to backdoor layups by Andrew Nembhard.
“I think he can be sharper,” Johnson said. “I think he can continue to get in better shape. Those are nitpicking criticisms when you look at the production, but that’s how good he can be. … His upside and path is whatever he wants it to be. And I’m not trying to shine you on. I’m being dead serious. I just want him to be better at transition defense.”
As Orsborn points out, Harper likely would have posted bigger numbers in his rookie season on a weaker team, but Johnson and his teammates have commended the former Rutgers standout for his willingness to embrace a bench role for the team’s success.
“We’re number two in the West,” Harper said. “To me, we’re the best team in the NBA. So for me to get drafted by an organization that’s so family oriented, I think any rookie would want to come here. From top to bottom, everyone is very professional and everyone is just so giving and so hands-on with everything.”
Dylan Harper showed out in his first start of the season for the Spurs. Story: https://t.co/BvCZU5I4OY
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 23, 2026
