San Antonio Spurs News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Another Finger, Another Problem for Spurs Guards

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Aleksandar Mishkov | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 1:06 PM ET

In what is an ironic coincidence, another San Antonio Spurs guard had to undergo surgery on his finger. The Spurs recently announced that Dylan Harper, their prized No.2 overall pick, had to undergo surgery to repair a partially torn ligament injury in his left thumb. He suffered the injury during a workout. Last season, the Spurs had another guard with a finger injury missing time. De’Aaron Fox, for whom they traded at the deadline, missed the end of the season with an injury to his pinky finger. Will they be ready for the start of the season?

Another Finger, Another Problem for Spurs Guards

The NBA preseason begins on October 6th, which is just a month away. There is little chance that Harper will be able to get back on the floor by that time. Missing the preseason can be a huge step back for a promising rookie who is already on a roster filled with guards. Harper will need playing time to showcase his skills and demonstrate his effectiveness within the rotation. Young players use the preseason to get their feet wet at the NBA level, without having an effect on the win/loss column. Harper will have a role within the Spurs, but exactly how big, that is up for grabs.

Coming out of Rutgers, Dylan was the No.2 overall pick in the NBA, right after Cooper Flagg. During his 2024-25 NCAA season, he averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) shoots the ball while USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Barring any additional setbacks, he should be ready for opening night. The Spurs will start the new season on the road in Dallas, playing the Mavericks on October 22nd. If he misses that game, he might be ready for the home opener, Sunday, October 26th vs. the Brooklyn Nets. That will be the Spurs’ third game of the season. Fox, who suffered his finger injury in mid-March, will be ready for preseason and opening night. Many fans of the organization cannot wait to see Fox and Victor Wembanyama together on the floor. They played only five games together before both were shut down due to injuries. With a fresh new contract extension, Fox will be responsible for taking the Spurs to higher level.

The Guard Rotation Challenge for the Spurs

The Spurs might have one of the strongest young guard rotations in the league. But at the same time, they might run into some challenges. With three great guards, it is hard to find enough playing time for all of them. Between Harper, Fox, and last year’s Rookie of the Year winner Stephon Castle, they have three point guards who should play 30+ minutes. Harper and Fox need the ball in their hands to be effective, while Castle can play off-the-ball when needed.

Add in players like Devin Vassell (best suited at shooting guard), and Keldon Johnson, and there might be a real battle for minutes. This will be one of the biggest challenges for the new Spurs coach, Mitch Johnson. If he can find a way to get minutes for all of them and make them effective, the Spurs can very easily make a jump to a playoff contender. They also have to be careful not to hamper the development of their two guards. When they made the trade for Fox at last year’s trade deadline, they never hoped they would get lucky in the draft and be able to select Harper.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: