Dylan Harper timeline shocker could be first nail in Cooper Flagg's hopes

When Dylan Harper's injury was first announced, we were told that he'd likely miss the beginning of the season. That would affect his chance to hit the ground running in the Rookie of the Year race since the opener is against the Dallas Mavericks and the number one overall pick, Cooper Flagg. But the Spurs rookie gave fans a reason to hope it doesn't play out that way.

San Antonio already has one guard set to miss games as he recovers from his hamstring injury. De'Aaron Fox won't be ready to go when the ball tips off on October 22. It would be nice if they at least had their number two overall pick ready to go.

It's a little funny to think about how so many people have accused the Silver and Black of having too many guards who "don't fit together," yet they're on the brink of starting the year with only one of them in uniform. It already goes to show how important depth is in professional sports. But again, Harper just gave us hope that he'll be available, and it gives him a chance to start the season ahead of Cooper Flagg in the ROY race.

Flagg has made it clear that he wants the award

Coop was recently asked about the prestigious honor that San Antonio has brought back to the city for two years in a row. He wants to win it. Harper has also stated that he wants to win the award. So, neither player is downplaying the significance of it.

Dallas has had two Rookie of the Year winners in the history of their organization. In 1995, Jason Kidd won it, and in 2019, Luka Doncic took home the trophy. Flagg seeks to become the third. Meanwhile, San Antonio is looking for their third in a row. Harper would be the fifth to win it since the Spurs' inception.

Previous winners are David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Victor Wembanyama, and Stephon Castle. It's a great list to join, and as the number two pick, he's right to aim for it. He's got a good shot, but he'll likely have to overcome playing off the bench since this team is so deep. Flagg is going to start, giving him a leg up in the competition.

That's why every battle matters. Head-to-head matchups matter. If Harper's rehab goes well enough to get him on the floor in game one, and he wows the audience, he will be at the very top of the KIA Rookie Ladder that releases on NBA.com every week. That's much better than trying to play catch-up after the games begin.