Spurs’ Rising Star Dylan Harper Faces Uncertain Future After Shocking Thumb Surgery

Dylan Harper’s much-anticipated plunge into the NBA has hit an unexpected snag that no rookie wants to see on his early résumé — thumb surgery. Fresh off being the No. 2 overall pick last June, Harper had to face the frustrating reality of a partial collateral ligament tear in his left thumb, a setback that’s poised to bench him for the entirety of training camp and the initial stretch of the upcoming season. The whispers from the injury front, courtesy of Jeff Stotts’ inside scoops, suggest a return pegged right around Halloween — quite the ominous timeline for any star-in-the-making. This isn’t just a physical hurdle; it’s a mental grind for the Rutgers standout, whose explosive athleticism and scoring touch had already started turning heads in Summer League, even if a groin injury had kept him sidelined initially. Now, as he battles through rehab, San Antonio’s backcourt depth will be tested with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle holding down the fort until Harper can lace them back up. The clock’s ticking, the stakes are high, and all eyes will be on Harper’s comeback trail. LEARN MORE.

Dylan Harper’s NBA career is starting off with a speed bump.

The No. 2 pick in last June’s NBA draft underwent surgery Friday to repair a partial tear of the collateral ligament in his left thumb, the team announced. Recovery likely will keep Harper out for all of training camp and the start of the season — his return timeline likely will be around Halloween, according to the injury database of Jeff Stotts at In Street Clothes.

The injury occurred during a workout on Wednesday.

Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, was a standout at Rutgers last season where the New Jersey native averaged 19.9 points a game. The Spurs took him with the No. 2 pick in the draft last June, just behind Cooper Flagg but ahead of VJ Edgecombe.

A groin injury kept Harper out at the start of NBA Summer League, but when he did get on the court, he impressed with his athleticism, which included some highlight plays — and not just on the offensive end.

On offense in Las Vegas, Harper more than passed the eye test. He demonstrated impressive control of his pace, using it to get into the lane, and once there, he showed he could finish at the rim with either hand, plus he had a nice little floater. Harper averaged 16 points a game at Summer League, but shot just 35.7%. There is work to do.

That work will be on hold until late October as he recovers from surgery.

San Antonio will be fine in the backcourt until Harper returns, starting De’Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.