San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper underwent surgery on his left thumb and is not expected to appear in preseason games, the team announced Friday.
The 19-year-old rookie suffered a partial collateral-ligament tear in his shooting hand during an offseason workout at the Spurs’ practice facility earlier this week. He had the injury repaired in surgery two days later, delaying his NBA debut.
A source familiar with the rehabilitation plan told the San Antonio Express-News that Harper may remain sidelined until the regular season. San Antonio opens its schedule Oct. 24 in Dallas. While the club has not ruled out clearing him by opening night, a return shortly afterward is considered more likely.
Harper, selected fifth overall in the 2025 draft, is expected to share backcourt duties with De’Aaron Fox and fellow rookie Stephon Castle. The former Rutgers standout entered the draft after showcasing a blend of size, scoring touch and playmaking that made him one of the most sought-after guards in his class.
The Spurs intend to proceed cautiously, mindful that thumb injuries to a player’s shooting hand can linger and that Harper’s long-term health outweighs preseason minutes.
Source: Hoops Wire
