Spurs rookie Dylan Harper undergoes thumb surgery

Spurs rookie Dylan Harper has undergone surgery on his left thumb and is unlikely to play in the preseason, the team announced Friday.

Harper, 19, suffered a partial tear of the collateral ligament in his shooting hand during an offseason workout at the Spurs’ facility earlier this week.

Two days later, he was in surgery, leaving his NBA debut temporarily on hold.

According to a San Antonio Express-News source familiar with the rehab plan, Harper may not be available until the regular season.

The Spurs open Oct. 24 in Dallas, and while the team has not ruled out the possibility of Harper being cleared by then, the safer bet is a return shortly after.

It is an early setback for the No. 5 overall pick, who is expected to play a key role in San Antonio’s revamped backcourt alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

Harper starred at Rutgers before declaring for the draft, where his combination of size, skill and scoring instincts made him one of the most coveted guards in the 2025 class.

For now, the Spurs will tread carefully. Thumb injuries on a shooter’s strong hand can be tricky, and San Antonio knows Harper’s long-term health matters far more than a few preseason reps.