Spurs’ 2025 rookie class could end up as the best in franchise history

With all the chatter about the NBA's enforcement of tanking, it is important to understand how lucky the Spurs were in last year's draft. Depending on what moves are made to address tanking, there's a chance San Antonio never gets another opportunity like the one they had when drafting Dylan Harper second overall.

On top of that, the Spurs robbed the NBA and stole Carter Bryant with the 14th overall pick. It's truly unfair that a franchise as great as San Antonio, which already has a breadth of talent, was able to bring in these players in the draft.

While it's easy to already claim the 2025 draft as a success, I'd like to take it a step further. The duo of Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant could go down as the best rookie class in Spurs history.

When deciding what the best Spurs draft in history is, you might say that any of the classes that included a Spurs great would be number one. For example, you could argue that grabbing Tim Duncan in 1997 was the best or perhaps David Robinson in 1987.

However, while these drafts were franchise-altering, they only yielded one star. The 2025 draft could have two.

Dylan Harper has shown shades of an MVP-caliber guard

In limited minutes, Dylan Harper has looked incredible. His finishing ability is already up there with some of the best in the NBA at the guard position. He has looked immensely comfortable and has flashed electric playmaking ability.

Put him in a full-time position, and there's no doubt in my mind that he would be competing with Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel for the Rookie of the Year award. With shades of Cade Cunningham and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, D. Harp could blossom into a transcendent superstar.

Much like these current All-NBA members, it will take some years for Dylan to distill his learnings and put them together. He may not be producing top-of-the-league numbers right now, but the pieces are there for him to become one of the NBA's best point guards.

Don't worry about Carter Bryant's slow start; he will be great

As Harper looks to flourish into a Spurs great, he will have another budding legend by his side. While Carter Bryant has been subject to the bench for much of his rookie campaign, that is no indication of his talent.

When he was drafted, it was always expected that he wouldn't play much in year one. Yet, as the season has worn on, the rook has forced Mitch Johnson's hand. The upside of Bryant begins on defense.

His impact on this side of the ball was never the question. Straight out of the gate, the Arizona product has All-Defensive team caliber defensive chops. With immense pressure and juice for days, the rookie is impossible to shake off.

His elite NBA frame also gives him a leg up over his competitors. If and when Carter can become a consistent offensive threat, all hell will break loose.

While his floor may be low, his ceiling is out of this world. It's not impossible for a player to transform offensively with NBA coaching. With a consistent jump shot and his out-of-this-world athleticism, the 20-year-old has All-Star potential.

While both players have a long way to go, the upside of this duo is frightening. We could be looking back at this draft class five years from now, wondering how the heck the Spurs managed to bring in both of these guys in the same draft.

I have full confidence that both Dylan and Carter can reach their highest potential in San Antonio. All we need to do is stay patient and let them spread their wings.