Awestruck by Spurs Drafting Him, Dylan Harper Reveals Rookie Goals Amid Mentorship From Manu Ginobili

The San Antonio Spurs are ushering in a new era with a young core ready to lead them back to postseason contention. They already had the freakishly good Victor Wembanyama. And they’ve now drafted Dylan Harper to join him, Stephon Castle, and newly-acquired guard De’Aaron Fox.

Harper, of course, is excited about joining this storied franchise and laid out his plans for his first-ever NBA campaign. The Rutgers alum, son of five-time champion Ron Harper, explained how the Spurs organization treats its players with respect and takes care of everyone from top to bottom.

Whether it’s someone in the G League or on a two-way contract, if you’re a Spur, you’re family. Harper implied that familial set-up in the franchise, while stating that it was a dream to be drafted by the same team that has housed legends like Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and his mentor, Manu Ginobili.

“For me to be in this organization, it’s every kid’s dream. It’s a dream come true.  They really care for everyone, whether you’re in the G League, two-way [Exhibit 10], star player, role player, [or] bench guy. It doesn’t matter. They are going to care for you the exact same way,” the young guard told journalist Marc J. Spears.

Harper then revealed how the ‘culture’ in San Antonio forces its players to work hard every day. “With the culture and family atmosphere they have, you have to work hard every day,” he continued.

“We are going to do everything together. That’s what I’ve taken most out of it so far; ain’t no better place to land than San Antonio in my eyes,” added Harper.

All rookies, whether they’re first- or second-round picks, come into the league with their personal goals, and Harper is no different. “I’m not going to be perfect, but I just want to learn every day from the vets and the guys around me, like De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes,” he said.

“Even a guy like Wemby, Steph Castle. Just learn as much as I can from everyone. I’m new,” added Harper, who wants to be someone who emits energy, and picks up plays that help him understand the game better.

“And as I’m getting better every day, that would be a pretty successful rookie year,” Harper added. “I want to just go out there and show I belong.”

Harper also discussed receiving advice from Spurs great Ginobili, who now works for the team as a special advisor and won four NBA championships under legendary head coach Gregg Popovich.

“I talk to him the most. More about just the game and the speed, and just how he adapted to it from a FIBA standpoint to coming over here,” Harper spoke of Ginobili.

“What were his [Ginobili’s] biggest changes being a player and being professional outside of basketball? What kept you locked in?” Harper continued. “Just all little things, I think that every NBA player goes through. I’ve hung out with Ginobili every day since I’ve been here.”

With Popovich no longer the head coach, Harper won’t have the pleasure of working alongside the veteran figure in the technical area. But the Spurs are a well-run organization with a clear connection between their past and present.

Harper could always turn to their legends for advice, as he’s been doing with Ginobili. Perhaps, he could also reach out to Parker and Duncan, too. The future indeed looks bright for San Antonio.