Dylan Harper’s leadership and attitude transcend his rookie class

We have all come to learn how great Dylan Harper, the basketball player, is. He is in line to be the team's future cornerstone at point guard and has all of the tools to be an All-Star or even an All-NBA caliber player.

With his talents, the sky is the limit, and the Spurs now have a hold of it. However, what doesn't get brought up enough is who Harper is as a human being.

Throughout college, the draft process, and now as a member of the Spurs, Harper has been as stand-up as they come. The 19-year-old is an incredible person off the court and a superb leader on the court. These traits will come in handy as Harper begins his NBA journey.

The rookie will be ready to accept a bench role

The transition from college to the NBA is hard for everyone, but it will be especially difficult for Harper. The youngster will have to make a major adjustment, going from the lead man at Rutgers to a bench role with the Spurs.

In college, Harper had the freedom to do whatever he wanted and play his way. Along with fellow lottery pick Ace Bailey, the pair ran the team by themselves. The ball was constantly in his hands, but that won't be the case in San Antonio.

While he will likely be the lead ball handler on the bench, players such as Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson will demand their fair share of touches.

Overall, his role will be dramatically different, but there is no better person to accept this responsibility than Harper. Harper is not the type of player to pout and put his head down because he is relegated to the bench. He will take pride in his role and continue to put his best foot forward.

Not only that, but Harper will eagerly take on the position of leader of the bench even as a rookie. He has already displayed strong characteristics of a great leader throughout the offseason, emphasizing the NBA-ready stewardship we have learned about him.

Dylan Harper is motivated to be the best he can be

The thing that makes a great player turn into a star is how they carry themselves behind the scenes. The ones who want it the most will get it, and Harper is one of those ones. For his entire playing career, he has desperately strived to be great. He will be no different in San Antonio.

Starting his NBA career on the bench, the rookie will do everything in his power to work his way up. Whether that means late nights in the gym, extra work on his skillset, or contributing in different ways, Harper will answer the call.

Needing to improve his jump shooting at the NBA level, there is no doubt in my mind that Harper is working tirelessly to make the leap. With his dedication to the game, Harper is on a star-written track to NBA greatness. He has everything you want out of a 19-year-old rookie.

While he has the unique and blessed traits of an elite basketball player, his leadership and desire to be the best will be the reason that Harper surpasses each and every member in the 2025 draft class. The time to invest is now; don't wait until it is too late.