Spurs' Dylan Harper third in NBA.com 'Rookie Ladder'
NEW JERSEY, United States – Filipino-American rookie guard Dylan Harper has made an immediate impact in his young NBA career, landing third in NBA.com’s first Kia Rookie Ladder released by senior writer Steve Aschburner.
The 19-year-old Harper is averaging 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game as the San Antonio Spurs remain undefeated to start the season.
“Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper was 42 when his son Dylan was born, so we had no shot at ever seeing a LeBron/Bronny pairing on an active roster,” Aschburner wrote. “But the five-time champion’s genes are alive and well in the Spurs rookie, who already looks savvy beyond his years. He ranks in the Top 5 among rookies in seven statistical categories.”
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe leads the list, averaging 22.3 points per game, while Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward is a surprise at No. 2 with 16.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per outing. Aschburner described Coward as “a potential steal of the draft.”
Top overall pick Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks ranked fourth, posting 13 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists through four games. The Mavericks have struggled early with a 1–3 record as Flagg adjusts to the pro level.
Harper, meanwhile, is third among rookies in assists and fourth in scoring and rebounding, providing steady production while the Spurs wait for All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox to return from a right hamstring injury.
“Not limiting myself to one thing, just trying to be all around,” Harper said.
The rookie looked like a seasoned veteran during his home debut in San Antonio on Sunday (Monday Manila time), exploding for 20 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in just 29 minutes on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting. The Spurs won 118-107 against the Brooklyn Nets.
“We’ve done a good job just watching film,” Harper said. “They’re sitting me down, telling me what I need to correct … it’s just basketball at this point.”
Harper’s poise and versatility have drawn praise from analysts, who believe his rapid rise could create lineup challenges for San Antonio’s roulette of ultra-talented guards.
“There’s a chance that, based on the data we have, Harper and Castle are a little farther along than anticipated,” The Ringer’s Zach Lowe said. “That makes the De’Aaron Fox situation — I would classify it as a good problem to have for San Antonio. Awkward potentially in six months, but good right now.”
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor added that the Spurs will eventually face a difficult decision on how to manage their guard depth.
“Yes, without a doubt. But Fox can’t be traded until February 4, so there will be a long evaluation period to see how all three guards operate together,” O’Connor said, referring to Harper, Fox, and last year’s Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. “I’ve long felt one of them will have to go, but the Spurs will have time to find out. What’s clear is that Castle got better and Harper is already way ahead of schedule.”
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Alder Almo is a former senior sportswriter for Philstar.com and NBA.com Philippines. He is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey, and writes for US-based publication Heavy.com.
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