Spurs Rookie Dylan Harper to Make NBA Debut Against Jazz Friday

SAN ANTONIO — Spurs rookie Dylan Harper is set to make his NBA debut this Friday night in a preseason game against the Utah Jazz. This exciting moment comes just over a month after Harper underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb.

The team confirmed that Harper, the top pick in the recent draft, will be on the court for the first time, facing off against his former Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey, who was selected shortly after him in June.

“That’s like my brother,” Harper said during the pregame shootaround on Friday morning. “Getting to see him again – a familiar face on my first NBA court – is going to be special for both of us.”

Last season, Harper averaged 19.4 points per game while playing for Rutgers, which missed the men’s college basketball tournament with a 15-17 record. He earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team following an impactful college season.

Harper, who stands at 6-foot-5, is the son of a former NBA champion and has drawn comparisons to Pistons guard Cade Cunningham. Analysts have praised his versatile playmaking abilities and unique footwork, which made him a highly anticipated draft prospect.

“First-game jitters,” Harper said referring to his feelings ahead of tipoff. “But I just have to go out there and play hard, focus on defense, and go with the flow of the game.”

Spurs General Manager Brian Wright noted Harper’s “rare confidence” and highlighted his approachable, team-oriented nature. “He loves basketball and wants to be part of a team,” Wright said.

The Spurs’ regular season opener against the Dallas Mavericks on October 22 becomes even more intriguing now, as it might feature a matchup between Harper and Cooper Flagg, the first overall pick in the draft.

With starting point guard De'Aaron Fox expected to miss time due to a hamstring injury, the Spurs will rely heavily on Harper’s performance early in the season. “Regardless of the game type, the physicality is always high,” Harper noted. “You must make quick decisions.”

Tipoff for the matchup between the Spurs and Jazz is scheduled for 7 p.m.