You ever see someone realize in real time that they just made $56 million before they can legally rent a car? No? Well, meet Dylan Harper—the San Antonio Spurs’ newest lottery pick, and already a walking, talking reason fans in Texas are smiling like they found extra queso in their burrito.

A new viral clip shows Harper reacting to his freshly inked rookie contract with the Spurs—and folks, it’s priceless. Imagine your brain trying to process generational wealth while holding back tears, grins, and probably the urge to do cartwheels. That’s what we got. It wasn’t flashy or over-the-top. Just pure, wholesome disbelief that he now owns enough money to buy the Rutgers campus if he wanted to.

Now, let’s rewind. Dylan Harper, who just wrapped up a brilliant freshman season at Rutgers where he averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4 assists, was selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Thanks to some lottery luck, the Spurs got the pick to complement Victor Wembanyama, the French skyscraper who already looks like the future of basketball. And what do you pair with a 7’4” unicorn? Apparently, a smooth, tough, crafty guard with court vision and enough poise to run a Fortune 500 boardroom.

“I’m feeling blessed and happy to be a part of the organization,” Dylan Harper said after the ink dried. “From the time when I put the jersey up to when I shook Adam Silver’s hand to now, it’s all been surreal.” That’s the kind of quote that makes you root for a kid—humble, wide-eyed, and ready to take on San Antonio with a smile and a snatch-back dribble. Dylan Harper has already dipped his toes into pro waters with two Summer League appearances, scoring 16 points in each contest—nothing wild, but a nice reminder that the kid’s got game and patience in equal measure. No chucking up 30-footers. No tunnel-vision ball hogging. Just good basketball, smart decisions, and flashes of what the Spurs are betting on long-term.

And about that bet? The Spurs just gave Harper a 4-year, $56 million rookie contract. That’s generational wealth delivered via bounce pass. Now the franchise has three cornerstone names under 24: Wemby, Stephon Castle (2025 Rookie of the Year), and Dylan Harper. That’s a trio you can build dynasties around—or at least a decade of playoff memes. But adding Dylan Harper wasn’t just about glitz and good vibes—it’s part of a broader chess game in San Antonio. The Spurs now have a stacked backcourt that includes Harper, Castle, and veteran De’Aaron Fox. That’s a lot of ball handlers. And, in the words of one Western Conference scout, “[Harper] has some [Manu] Ginobili to his offensive game.”

Now that’s not a name Spurs fans throw around lightly. Manu was a magician, and if Harper’s got even a teaspoon of that Eurostep sauce, Fox may find himself packing bags by All-Star break. As one scout put it, “If the 3-point shot ever becomes a true weapon [for Harper], he makes Fox expendable and gives San Antonio a nice trade asset.” That’s code for: there’s a big decision looming. The Spurs may have to sacrifice a big-name guard soon to make room for their future.

Early ROY Odds? Dylan’s Not the Favorite, But…

When ESPN’s Jeremy Woo polled 20 anonymous NBA executives and scouts, asking who their early Rookie of the Year pick was, Dylan Harper came in second—only behind Cooper Flagg, the Mavs’ top pick and media darling. Flagg got 17 votes. Harper got 2. Hey, it’s not a landslide, but it’s not nothing either. One executive summed it up best: “I assume someone like Bailey or Johnson may outscore Cooper as a rookie, but Cooper will make more meaningful contributions.” That’s cool and all—but don’t sleep on Harper, who’s likely to have more freedom in San Antonio’s scheme, especially if they streamline the backcourt rotation.

When voters were asked who (aside from Flagg) would prove to be the best pick in the draft, Dylan Harper came in second again, this time to VJ Edgecombe, Philly’s explosive No. 3 pick. But again—six votes is no small thing. Analysts love Harper’s combination of power, finesse, and elite pick-and-roll IQ. His ability to create space without necessarily needing the ball for 20 seconds is a huge plus. He might not start right away, but that’s fine. Spurs are clearly playing the long game here. And according to that same scout who dropped the Ginobili line, the ceiling is high. Especially if Harper’s jumper goes from “developing” to “deadly.”

Let’s not forget that San Antonio also snagged Carter Bryant at No. 14, and he got the most votes in the “draft steal” category. His summer league defense was tighter than TSA post-holiday. One exec said, “We’ll look back in several years while the Spurs are winning big, and people will mention them drafting Castle at 4 and Bryant at 14 to pair defensively with Victor as steals.”

Translation: Spurs fans should be screaming into throw pillows with joy right now. With Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Wemby, and now Bryant all in the fold, San Antonio is building what looks more and more like a dynasty blueprint. And yeah, it might come at the cost of a few veterans or fan favorites, but the sacrifice is clear: build for the long haul. And Harper is front and center in that plan. He’s not just a feel-good pick or highlight-reel merchant. He’s a well-rounded, high-IQ, battle-tested guard who plays like he’s 28 going on 40. If he improves that outside shot even marginally, the sky’s the limit.

In just a few short months, Dylan Harper has gone from Rutgers standout to Spurs franchise pillar. He’s the kind of player who makes smart passes, smart quotes, and smart business moves. Whether he ends up Rookie of the Year or not, he’s already one of the biggest stories of the 2025 class. Not just because of that viral video, but because of what he represents: the next great Spurs era.

And that $56 million? It’s not just a paycheck. It’s a statement. San Antonio isn’t rebuilding anymore. They’re reloading—with Dylan Harper as the trigger.