Nov 27, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) shoots between Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) and Alabama Crimson Tide forward Jarin Stevenson (15) during the first half at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images

Race to the Tank: Breaking Down Dylan Harper

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net
By Alejandro Delgado | Last updated Dec 16, 2024 2:10 PM ET

As the 2024-25 season approached, many Chicago Bulls fans agreed that the front office needed to focus on retaining its 2025 draft pick given the lack of potential stars on the current roster. The Bulls owe their 2025 first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade deal. However, the pick is top-10 protected, meaning the Bulls will most likely retain it if they finish in the bottom third of the league this season.

Duke's Cooper Flagg has been the standout prospect of the 2025 NBA Draft class. Right behind Flagg was Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, but his teammate, Dylan Harper, has recently gained attention with his impressive scoring performances. As a result, Harper has surpassed Bailey and is now regarded as the second-best player in the 2025 draft.

Dylan Harper

Bio: Freshman | Rutgers | 6'6" | 215 pounds | Guard

Analysis

Dylan Harper effortlessly controls the game's tempo through his scoring and playmaking. He can easily get to the rim, which generates scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Although he's not the greatest three-point shooter, Harper still commands respect from behind the arc. His shooting might be a concern since the NBA three-point line is deeper than college basketball's, but a prospect of Harper’s caliber can adapt.

At 6-foot-6, he can navigate through physical defenses. Like his father, Bulls legend Ron Harper, Dylan impacts the defensive end. Harper isn't afraid of taking difficult shots at the end of games.

DYLAN HARPER FOR GAME (via @CBBonFOX) pic.twitter.com/Qu86aLZtmf
— Overtime (@overtime) December 14, 2024

NBA Comparison

An NBA comparison for Dylan Harper is Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. A direct similarity between Harper and Gilgeous-Alexander is getting to the free-throw line. Harper averages 7.2 free-throw attempts per game while Gilgeous-Alexander averages just over eight.

If Harper can make a name for himself on the defensive end like Gilgeous-Alexander has, any NBA coach will allow him to work through offensive mistakes.

Chicago Bulls Fit

Currently, the Bulls have six guards who regularly receive rotation minutes, so the addition of a bigger guard like Dylan Harper wouldn't be difficult to manage. Harper's ability to move without the ball and make quick decisions would allow him to fit seamlessly with anyone on the roster.

With the likes of Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball potentially on the move at the trade deadline, the Bulls would have more than enough runway for Harper to showcase his skills.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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