The 2025 NBA Draft was supposed to be one of the best classes in recent memory, and so far, it’s lived up to the hype. First pick Cooper Flagg and second pick Dylan Harper went toe-to-toe as the San Antonio Spurs blew out the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg had a double-double but was largely disappointing. Harper, meanwhile, posted 15 points.
Elsewhere around the league, VJ Edgecombe dominated, and Jeremiah Fears and Tre Johnson had solid outings.
Stephon Castle, Harper’s teammate, is the reigning Rookie of the Year, and he thinks both Flagg and Harper will have long NBA careers.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 22: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs walks backcourt during the second half at American Airlines Center on October 22, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs’ Star Delivers Rookie Verdict
While Flagg dropped ten points and ten rebounds, his offense was woefully inefficient. Harper, meanwhile, made half of his shots, quickly finding his footing in the second half of his debut.
Of course, one game is not a big enough sample size for the Mavericks to panic over. Flagg is still expected to be an elite talent on both ends of the floor.
“He didn’t shoot the ball well,” said Castle of Flagg’s debut. “But he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be. I mean, my first game, I was out there nervous, so I can’t really speak on it. He made some good reads, he didn’t seem too rattled. So, I think he’ll have a good year.”
Naturally, Castle was a bit more complimentary to his teammate than his rival.
“Dylan, he’s been hooping all summer, all training camp,” added the second-year guard. “I knew once he got settled in, he’ll be fine. He started off the game kind of shaky, but picked it up quickly and helped us a lot.”
Harper remains behind Castle on the Spurs’ depth chart and will slot in behind De’Aaron Fox once he returns to the floor. Flagg, meanwhile, has been tasked with playing point guard.
Harper Expected to Take More Time than Flagg
While Harper’s debut was better than Flagg’s, he is a much more raw prospect. It must be noted that Flagg was tasked with playing point guard in his very first NBA game, which is not a position he is familiar with.
Harper, meanwhile, projects to be a pass-first guard akin to a younger James Harden. Next to Victor Wembanayma, that’s an ideal running mate for the Spurs to lean on.
Castle excelled in the game, as well, scoring 22 points to go with six assists and seven rebounds. While Fox remains the best guard in San Antonio, the clock is ticking, and he could be passed up sooner rather than later.
Especially if he remains on the bench for longer than expected.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post San Antonio Spurs’ Star Delivers Verdict on 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on Heavy Sports.