After playing three games in the California Classic, the San Antonio Spurs are hopeful that Dylan Harper will be available for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Spurs ruled Harper out of playing in San Francisco because of what they described as a minor groin issue. He traveled with the team on the trip and will be on hand as they begin their stint in the desert on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers (10 p.m. EDT).
The matchup concludes a doubleheader on ESPN with Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks facing Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the first game at 8 p.m. Whether or not Harper will be on the court for the Spurs is still to be determined.
“I know Dylan wants to play as any competitor would,” Spurs summer league coach Mike Noyes said. “We’re going to make the decision that is the best for the long term, but as a coach and everyone in the organization, we want to see him out there, for sure. He will help us.”
Harper was a third-team All-American honorable mention by the AP last season at Rutgers, averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists and 1.4 steals. He registered 20 20-point games, setting the Rutgers single-season scoring record by a freshman (564 points).
The 19-year-old has drawn comparisons to Cade Cunningham as a bigger guard who can score, play with physicality and see the court well. He wants to ingratiate himself well and help the team break its six-year playoff drought in any role asked of him by new coach Mitch Johnson.
Despite being sidelined early on, Harper has made his presence felt around the team in practices and game action. He is leaving a strong impression on his coaches and teammates, and the team is eager to get him on the court as soon as possible.
“He is outspoken, energetic, self-confident, as he should be, and is a team player,” Noyes said. “We’re excited for that to transfer to the court, whether it is in a few days or a few months. We’re very excited for his future here.”
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Dylan Harper update: Spurs hopeful No. 2 pick can play in Las Vegas