Latest Spurs draft intel should make them think twice about Dylan Harper

With the San Antonio Spurs having the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, many expect them to select Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. However, on a recent episode of the Kevin O'Connor podcast, NBA draft expert Rafael Barlowe predicted that Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears may end up having a better career than Harper.

That calls into question whether San Antonio should be drafting Harper instead of Fears. After all, there is quite a bit of overlap between Harper and De'Aaron Fox, with Harper even being compared to Fox.

That's due to their size at 6'4, both of them being left-handed, and them being able to attack the paint relentlessly. Having two of those players is often a good thing. However, Fox is just 27 and a half years old and could sign a four-year extension this summer, which would keep him under contract for the next five years.

That could hamper Harper's development and create a logjam that could affect not only Harper but reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.

Should the San Antonio Spurs still draft Dylan Harper?

In short, yes. Taking a point guard who is 6'6 in shoes with a massive arm span and is left-handed is better than taking an average-sized guard. Aside from his physical tools, Harper has more potential on both ends of the court. He is skilled at attacking the basket and is an excellent finisher.

He also shot a respectable 36.3% on spot-up threes, and if he can be an above-average 3-point shooter, then his offensive game could really take off. Harper even has the potential to be at least a good defender.

To his credit, Fears is terrific at getting into the paint by expertly navigating screens. He is also terrific at hitting floaters and pull-up jumpers and drawing free throws, where he shot 85% from the line.

His 3-point shooting, like Harper's, is a big question mark. Nevertheless, he does have a larger sample size to suggest he will be a good shooter.

Still, Harper has the chance to be a more complete player and has clearly separated himself from Fears in the eyes of many draft experts. That should make him an easy choice for the second overall pick.

All in all, Harper is still the better prospect of the two, given his physical tools and potential on both sides of the ball. Fears could also become a very good player, but Harper has the higher upside and thus should be the Spurs' pick come draft night.