Spurs Rookie Faces Crucial Recovery After Mysterious Surgery – What’s Next for His Season?

So, imagine finally snagging a prized rookie like Dylan Harper at No. 2 overall—and then, bam!—a thumb injury puts a wrench in all those high hopes before he even laces up for training camp. That’s the tale the San Antonio Spurs and their fans are grappling with right now. Harper, fresh off a standout season at Rutgers and hailed as one of the best second picks in recent memory, has just undergone thumb ligament surgery. While there’s hope he’ll make Opening Night on October 22, missing out on crucial preseason bonding and prep raises a big question: Can a rookie with sky-high expectations find his footing fast enough to shine when it counts? This twist in Harper’s journey adds a layer of “what if” to what could have been a headline-grabbing showdown against No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Let’s dive into the details—because in the NBA, unpredictability is half the thrill.

The San Antonio Spurs once again had great luck at the NBA draft and selected Dylan Harper as the No. 2 overall pick.

Sadly, Harper is experiencing injury problems before his rookie season has even started.

Shams Charania gave a tough update to Spurs fans, revealing that Harper will miss training camp because of surgery on his left thumb.

Training camp isn’t going to happen for Harper, but Opening Night might still be possible.

“San Antonio Spurs No. 2 pick Dylan Harper underwent surgery Friday to repair a partially torn ligament in his left thumb that he suffered in a workout Wednesday, and the hope is Harper will be ready for the season opener Oct. 22 in Dallas, sources tell ESPN,” Charania posted on X.

San Antonio Spurs No. 2 pick Dylan Harper underwent surgery Friday to repair a partially torn ligament in his left thumb that he suffered in a workout Wednesday, and the hope is Harper will be ready for the season opener Oct. 22 in Dallas, sources tell ESPN.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 5, 2025

Opening Night for the Spurs was supposed to feature the No. 2 Harper battling the No. 1 Cooper Flagg.

Unfortunately, that may not happen if Harper isn’t fully recovered by October 22.

Even if he does heal quickly, Harper is going to miss a very important training camp, which could hurt him.

That will give him less time to find his chemistry with teammates.

It’ll also impair his adjustment process, which is vital for a young rookie with such high expectations.

Harper was chosen as No. 2, and many people believe he’s one of the best second picks in years.

He has been praised for his size and play-making abilities.

During his season with Rutgers, Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.

The Spurs are expecting great things from Harper, and they might still get them.

But right now, there are questions about when he’ll be ready to make his hotly anticipated debut in the NBA.

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