The San Antonio Spurs newest rookie Dylan Harper was knocked out of the Spurs match-up against the Phoenix Suns. He suffered a calf muscle injury in the second quarter. At first thought, the incident looked like a freak play as Harper tried to deflect a Richards dunk, making an awkward landing beneath the rim. This play contributed to the Suns taking a 48-37 lead with 5:02 remaining in the first half.
Before his dismissal, Harper was an all-world talent. He scored 12 points on 5 of 8 shooting in only 11 minutes of action. The 19-year-old guard made his debut as the fourth-leading scorer on the Spurs. He’s been an unsung hero for the Hoosiers this season, averaging 14.4 points per game. He combined that scoring with 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals a game in only five games this season.
When he did get hurt, Harper grimaced in agony as he walked to the bench. A member of San Antonio’s medical staff quickly came to his aid and escorted him to the locker room for further evaluation. Aside from the long-term implications of his injury, there is a more pressing danger in worrying about his immediate health. At a greater scale, it might hurt the team’s competitiveness down the line.
Harper was the second overall pick in this summer’s draft. He’s done that and far more, becoming an immediate impact player and important offensive option for the Spurs. His scoring prowess as a wing and his renewed defensive skills have made him ideal connective tissue to one of the most exciting teams in basketball. It’s safe to assume the Spurs will be somewhat conservative with his injury and keep everyone updated on his status moving forward.
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