‘Shut up’: Dylan Harper’s dad reacts to claim that his son is ‘lame’ for taking Kawhi’s old Spurs number

The San Antonio Spurs had the No. 2 overall pick in the recent 2025 NBA Draft, and with that selection, they picked former NBA guard Ron Harper’s son Dylan.

The younger Harper is on the heels of a standout freshman season playing for Rutgers University, as he earned All-Big Ten honors after he averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in the 2024-25 season.

Spurs fans should be excited to see the younger Harper take the floor alongside the likes of rising phenom Victor Wembanyama and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, but the 19-year-old has ruffled some feathers on social media regarding what jersey number he will wear.

The Spurs have given the younger Harper the green light to wear No. 2, and that number was formerly worn in San Antonio by Spurs legend Kawhi Leonard, who was awarded the Finals MVP for the Spurs’ championship run back in 2014.

Some people have had strong reactions to the news. The elder Harper defended his son from some critics on social media.

At one point in Leonard’s Spurs career, it did seem very possible that he would have his number retired in San Antonio, but he had an ugly exit from the team and that could have impacted things.

He eventually requested a trade out of San Antonio after reports surfaced of a rift between him and the organization, and Leonard got his wish when he was dealt to the Toronto Raptors ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

All in all, Leonard is far removed from his time as a member of the Spurs, and people maybe should remember the manner in which his time in San Antonio ended before giving the younger Harper flak about what number he will wear.

In addition, it’s possible that down the line, the Spurs will still choose to retire Leonard’s number, but right now, that doesn’t appear to be a priority for the franchise.