The Spurs and the Timberwolves are the only two teams to have back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners since the NBA was really made into the NBA after the merger in 1976. Dylan Harper wants to make it three winners in a row. That's never been done before.
The San Antonio Spurs have won the Rookie of the Year Award in back-to-back seasons.
— Zack Hedrick (@zhedrickTV) June 26, 2025
Dylan Harper was asked if it would be a goal of his to make it three-in-a-row?
His response: "Definitely." pic.twitter.com/BeAmAYFxis
That's a lofty goal, considering not just because it's never been done before, but because of the competition. This is a talented draft that starts with Cooper Flagg at the top of the totem pole. Depending on what happens with Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecomb could have more opportunities to show out. Kon Knueppel will fit in perfectly in Charlotte, and he could have a big-time year, etc.
The Spurs offense may not give Harper an advantage
Since San Antonio still hasn't made any major trades. We have to assume that they're going to keep a lot of these guys, at least until they show us something different. They want to win, so they're going to be focused on making winning plays, not letting Dylan Harper stat pad. To be clear, I'm not saying that's what he wants to do.
What I'm saying is that last year, the Spurs put the ball in Stephon Castle's hands a lot because they wanted him to learn with Chris Paul there. His added usage while the team was trying to learn and get better increased his chances of winning the award. I don't think Harper will have the same benefit.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, Flagg gets to play point forward with Kyrie missing at least the first half of the season. And let's just call it like it is, Cooper is a special player, so as long as he stays on the court, he'll make a notable impact.
Team success is going to play a huge factor in how the race shakes out this year. Neither team made the playoffs this season, which is why they were in a position to land the top two picks in the draft, but there were extenuating circumstances that ruined the year for both the Spurs and the Mavericks.
The expectations are much higher for the ball clubs, so there will be a stronger microscope on the rookies. Fans and analysts alike will want to see these guys contribute to winning basketball right from the start.
I'm not saying it's impossible, but it will definitely be the toughest Rookie of the Year race we've seen in the past three years. Victor Wembanyama was a lock from the beginning, and Stephon Castle began shutting down his competition pretty early, too. If Harper can win this, that means he had one hell of a season and rewrote the history books, though. We're all here for that.