Spurs rookie Dylan Harper recalls unexpected encounter with Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper already knew he was stepping into a franchise with a rich history. Even before he signed his first contract, he had a good look at the five championship banners that hang from the Spurs' rafters during his draft workout.
Advertisement
What he did not expect was to run into the franchise's legends on an ordinary afternoon, strolling casually through the gym as if they were just another part of the scenery. The 19-year-old could not hide the excitement in his voice when he described the moment when he turned around and saw Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich walking together. For a second, he thought he must be imagining it.
The teenager had to look twice to make sure his eyes were not playing tricks. Then, with the instinct of any young fan who grew up hearing stories about the Spurs dynasty, he walked straight over to greet them.
'I had to dap them up and take the video,' Harper told Andscape with a wide grin. 'It caught me off guard. I thought, 'What are they doing here?' I was like, 'Maybe they're just here this one day?' And they're like, 'No, they are here all the time.' And so, when they talk about the Spurs' organization and their culture, that's really what culture is.'
He said he met Popovich on the very first day he arrived at the facility. 'I met Pop the first day I was there and Tim,' Harper said. 'Pop was there getting treatment and doing exercises. That is not regular in any NBA gym. You see a Hall of Fame coach, a Hall of Fame player walking around the gym. And they are there like every day. I can pick their brain and ask questions.'
Advertisement
Popovich, who has coached the Spurs for nearly thirty years, was there maintaining his health and staying engaged with the team. Duncan, who helped bring five titles to San Antonio, was just as present. For Harper, this was something entirely new. He had visited other NBA gyms during the draft process and had never seen anything quite like it.
Most teams have photos of their legends on the walls. The Spurs have their icons in the building, ready to share advice or lend support whenever needed.
Harper grew up with basketball in his blood. His father, Ron Harper, won five NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan and later with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. His mother, Maria, was a standout defensive point guard at the University of New Orleans.
Though Dylan never saw his father play in person, he heard the stories often. He remembered attending the 2019 All-Star Weekend in Chicago, where he caught glimpses of NBA greats moving through the halls like it was no big deal. Even then, he sensed that basketball was more than a sport; it was a network of relationships and memories that stretched across generations.
Advertisement
'To be in the back rooms and to see superstars walking around like regular people was crazy to me back then,' he said. 'We played Bryce [James] in New York, LeBron's [James'] son, and I saw the connection between [my father and LeBron James] both being from Ohio. If [my father] sees someone in the league, they all know each other. It is like a brotherhood in a way.'
His own path to the NBA began in New Jersey, where he starred at Don Bosco Prep before joining Rutgers University. As a freshman, Harper averaged 19.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, showcasing the blend of scoring, vision, and competitive spirit that made him a top prospect.
The Spurs chose him with the second overall pick in the 2025 draft, adding him to a young core that already included Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, who each won Rookie of the Year in consecutive seasons.
When Harper walked into the Spurs' facility for the first time, he already carried the weight of expectations. But seeing Popovich and Duncan in person reminded him that every great career is built step by step. He felt encouraged knowing he would have a chance to learn from two of the most respected figures in basketball history.
Advertisement
The atmosphere made Harper feel that he was not just joining a team but becoming part of something bigger. He hopes to carry forward the lessons his family and the Spurs have taught him.
In San Antonio, the banners on the wall tell only part of the story. The real measure of the Spurs' legacy walks the hallways, shakes your hand, and reminds you that greatness is a daily choice. For Dylan Harper, that surprise encounter was not only an unforgettable moment but also a powerful introduction to the culture he now calls home.
Related: Spurs make roster move on 41.3% 3-point shooter amid busy offseason
Related: Dylan Harper makes Manu Ginobili admission as he starts NBA, Spurs journey
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Alex Anzalone passed conditioning test, but didn't practice Sunday
Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone was not among the players that the team placed on the physically unable to perform or non-football injury lists ahead of their first training camp practice, but Anzalone did not take part in Sunday's session. Head coach Dan Campbell said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, that Anzalone "crushed" the team's conditioning test after skipping the team's voluntary work this offseason. Anzalone's absence was linked to his contract. Anzalone is heading into the final year of his three-year, $18 million deal with the team and he's made comments suggesting that he'd like an upgraded contract before the start of the 2025 season. Campbell told reporters that he does not think that Anzalone is holding in by reporting to camp and not practicing in a bid to land that contract, but it remains to be seen when the veteran will be back on the field for Detroit.
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ole Miss freshman defensive end Corey Adams reportedly killed in shooting in Tennessee
Ole Miss freshman defensive end Corey Adams has died. He was 18 years old. According to Adams was shot in Cordova, Tennessee, just after 10 p.m. Saturday night. 'We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams, a freshman on the team, passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee,' an Ole Miss statement said. 'While our program is trying to cope with this tragic loss, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.' 'Out of respect for his family, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask the Ole Miss community to keep Corey in their thoughts and respect the privacy of everyone involved.' In a statement posted to social media early Sunday morning, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said that it was investigating a shooting that had taken place outside a residence and that five men had been shot. 'When deputies arrived at the intersection of Forest Hill-Irene and Walnut Grove, they stopped a vehicle, finding an adult male gunshot victim,' the statement said. 'They provided life-saving measures until Shelby County Fire arrived. Shelby County Fire personnel later pronounced the victim deceased on the scene.' 'Upon arrival at Fern Glade Cove, deputies found multiple shell casings and learned the four adult males arrived by personal vehicles to area hospitals with gunshot wounds. All four victims are listed in non-critical condition.' Adams was a three-star recruit in the class of 2025. The Lousiana native was a two time first-team all-state player according to his bio on the Ole Miss site and had 31 sacks over his final two seasons of high school football. He was the New Orleans Times-Picayune defensive player of the year in 2024. He was one of 23 signees in Ole Miss' class of 2025 that ranked 15th in the country according to Rivals.
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cardinals not expected to trade away $260 million third baseman
The St. Louis Cardinals will be fairly active at this year's trade deadline. At 51-48, and just outside the National League playoff picture, the team will soon have to decide which direction they want to go in for the remainder of the season. One decision already appears to be made. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Cardinals are expected to hold on to third baseman Nolan Arenado after the team couldn't find any valuable offers. 'The Cardinals are planning on keeping third baseman Nolan Arenado through the deadline with no teams showing strong interest in him since he rejected potential deals to the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels,' Nightengale wrote. Arenado is in the midst of a down season offensively, batting .244 with 10 home runs and a career-low .688 OPS. He has seen his offensively numbers dip steadily since 2022, when finished third in NL MVP voting. Additionally, Arenado still has three years, and roughly $52 million left on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028. Due to his sizable contract and decreasing production, it's no surprise the Cardinals are having a tough time finding a suitor for Arenado. For now, it appears Arenado will stay in St. Louis, but a lot can change in 11 days, so it will still remain something to monitor all the way through the trade deadline.
