Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, suffered a calf injury while defending a dunk in the second quarter of the Spurs’ game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night. The injury occurred during a defensive play, prompting Harper to exit the game. The Spurs’ coaching staff is currently assessing the severity of the injury, though early indications suggest it could impact Harper’s availability for the remainder of the season.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has not yet commented on the injury, but the team is expected to provide an official statement in the coming days. In the meantime, the Spurs will need to adjust their defensive strategies to compensate for the loss of Harper’s athleticism and energy. The injury is a significant setback for a player who was seen as a key addition to the roster for the 2023-24 season.
Harper’s injury raises concerns about the Spurs’ depth at the forward position, which has been a point of focus throughout the offseason. The team will have to rely on their bench players to fill the void until a potential return, which could be delayed due to the severity of the injury. With the Spurs preparing for a competitive season, this setback could affect both their immediate performance and long-term planning.