What is the Timeline for Dylan Harper's Injury Return? Spurs HC Gives Latest Update
San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper is progressing well in his recovery from his calf strain.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters that Harper is out of his walking boot and has advanced to participating in physical activity, so he's projected to be "a few weeks away" from his return to the court.
The No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Harper got off to a promising start to his rookie season before getting injured. In six games, he averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 50.0 percent from the field. He had career highs of 20 points and eight assists in a 118-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 26.
The Spurs started the season with a 5-1 record but have gone 3-3 since Harper went down, most recently losing back-to-back games to the Golden State Warriors. To make matters worse, star big man Victor Wembanyama was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings due to calf tightness, but Johnson indicated that it's precautionary.
"It's just something that he felt," Johnson said. "I don't think there was a specific play. Obviously, we've seen around this league recently, the calf-tightness thing is not something you want to take lightly. So, [we've] just got to get some more information. Don't want to push it there."
It's clear that San Antonio is taking the same cautious approach with Harper's recovery, as the 19-year-old is expected to be a major part of the franchise's future. Until he's able to return, the Spurs will continue to rely on the backcourt duo of De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
