Spurs suddenly flirting with NBA history thanks to Dylan Harper

The NBA put out their final Rookie Ladder rankings, and as expected, Dylan Harper wasn't in the top three. He was, however, on Steve Aschburner's All-Rookie 1st Team, and that should be the case for most voters. If it holds up, the Spurs will become the first franchise in NBA history to have a rookie make the All-Rookie 1st Team in three consecutive seasons.

As ROY winners, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle both earned the same honor, setting Harper up to finish off a strong trifecta as the core for the future of San Antonio takes shape.

This organization is no stranger to magnificent feats and records. They had 18 straight 50-win seasons (adjusted for the 1999 lockout season) during the Tim Duncan era—another NBA record and one that may not be topped for a long time, if ever. This new achievement will be just as difficult for the league to topple.

Harper has made the most of his opportunities

San Antonio's second overall pick is averaging 11.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds on 51% shooting from the field and 35% from three. Those numbers are good enough for a first-year guy coming off the bench. That isn't the entire picture, though. It's a long season, so it's fair to break it up into segments, as there will be highs and lows—especially when you're new to the gig.

Let's look at his last two-plus months. Since All-Star Weekend, the ex-Rutgers playmaker is putting up 13.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. He's increased his efficiency, shooting 58.4% overall—second-highest only to Luke Kornet (59.7%)—and 49% from deep. His three-ball has been money. Devin Vassell has the next-highest reliable shot from range at 45%.

This kid plays fewer than 25 minutes a night but makes an impact every time he's on the floor. It's quite easy to see why he was ranked so highly across the board by nearly every scout in the country. His game is effortless, and his output proves he's a tireless worker.

Spurs drafted a player who won't be placed in a box

Spurs fans hoped for the best when San Antonio drafted the son of a former NBA champion, but he's been better than advertised. We were told the 20-year-old floor general couldn't shoot the ball very well. They were very wrong.

Others suggested he be traded because the team was flush with guards and "didn't need more." Those opinions were mixed in with those who believed Harper wouldn't be able to flourish without the ball in his hands on every possession. Funny enough, since the mid-February break, Dylan is shooting a higher catch-and-shoot 3PT% than Kon Knueppal. 57% compared to 47%.

Clearly, these people forgot that San Antonio brought Manu Ginobili off the bench and played him next to Tony Parker. Both players were masters with the rock but learned how to play without it. The result was immense success spanning years and years. Something similar is happening now, and it starts with Harper making it onto the All-Rookie 1st Team, giving San Antonio a new NBA record.