San Antonio Spurs Second Pick Dylan Harper Undergoes Surgery for Spinal Condition

Spurs’ Dylan Harper undergoes Thumb Surgery, Targeting season Opener Return

September 7, 2024

San Antonio Spurs’ second overall draft pick, Dylan Harper, had surgery on Friday to address a partial ligament tear in his left thumb. The injury occurred during a team practice session earlier this week.

Medical personnel are optimistic that Harper will make a full recovery and be available to play in the Spurs’ season opener on October 22nd against the Dallas Mavericks. The team has not released a specific timeline for his rehabilitation,but they are proceeding with cautious optimism.

Injury Details and Procedure

The injury to Harper’s left thumb was steadfast to be a partial tear requiring surgical intervention. The procedure, performed Friday, aimed to stabilize the ligament and promote proper healing. The Spurs medical staff consulted with leading hand specialists to determine the best course of action.

According to a statement released by the team, the surgery was deemed a success and Harper is expected to begin a extensive rehabilitation program promptly. This program will focus on regaining strength,flexibility,and range of motion in his thumb.

Rehabilitation Timeline and Expectations

While the team is hopeful for a return by the season opener, the recovery process for ligament injuries can vary. Factors such as individual healing rates and the intensity of rehabilitation will play a crucial role in Harper’s timeline. It is indeed crucial to note that a complete return to play will depend on Harper’s ability to regain full functionality without pain or instability in his thumb.

Recent data indicates that thumb ligament repairs typically require 6-8 weeks for initial recovery, followed by a phased return to basketball activities. The National Institutes of Health provides extensive resources on ligament injuries and rehabilitation protocols.

Injury	Player	Date of Surgery	Estimated Return
Left Thumb Ligament Tear	Dylan harper	September 6, 2024	October 22, 2024 (Target)

Did You Know? Thumb injuries are surprisingly common in basketball, due to the impact and stresses placed on the hand during shooting, passing, and rebounding.

The Spurs invested heavily in Harper, viewing him as a key component of their rebuilding efforts. His versatility and athleticism make him a valuable asset.

Will this setback hinder Harper’s growth and impact his rookie season? What adjustments might the Spurs make to their preseason plans given Harper’s injury?

Understanding Thumb Ligament Injuries in Basketball

Thumb ligament injuries, like the one sustained by Dylan Harper, are unfortunately not uncommon in basketball. These injuries often occur due to hyperextension of the thumb during activities such as shooting, passing, or simply making contact with another player. The severity of the injury can range from a mild sprain to a complete tear of the ligament.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity. minor sprains can often be managed with rest,ice,compression,and elevation (RICE). However, more severe tears, such as the partial tear Harper experienced, often require surgical intervention to restore stability to the thumb joint.

Pro Tip: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the thumb and wrist can help prevent future injuries. targeted exercises focused on grip strength and wrist stability are essential for basketball players.

Proper rehabilitation, guided by a qualified physical therapist, is crucial for a full recovery. This typically involves a phased approach, starting with range-of-motion exercises and progressing to strengthening and sport-specific drills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dylan Harper’s Injury

• What type of injury did dylan Harper sustain? He suffered a partially torn ligament in his left thumb.
• When did Dylan Harper undergo surgery? The surgery took place on Friday, September 6, 2024.
• What is the expected recovery timeline for a thumb ligament repair? Typically 6-8 weeks for initial recovery, but can vary.
• Will Dylan Harper be ready for the start of the season? The team is hopeful he will be ready for the season opener on October 22nd.
• How common are thumb injuries in basketball? They are surprisingly common due to the physical nature of the sport.
• What is the importance of rehabilitation after thumb surgery? Comprehensive rehabilitation is crucial for regaining strength, flexibility, and full functionality.
• What is the potential impact of this injury on Harper’s rookie season? The injury may cause Harper to miss time and potentially impact his development.

Share this article and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

what specific type of non-degenerative spinal condition required Dylan Harper’s surgery?

Details of Dylan Harper’s Spinal Surgery

On September 7, 2025, teh San Antonio spurs announced that their second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Dylan Harper, underwent successful surgery to address a previously identified spinal condition. The surgery was performed by Dr.Robert Watkins at the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles. While the Spurs haven’t disclosed the specific nature of the spinal condition, they’ve characterized it as a non-degenerative issue discovered during post-draft physical evaluations.

This news impacts the Spurs’ 2025-26 season outlook and raises questions about Harper’s rookie timeline. The team is prioritizing Harper’s long-term health and recovery.

Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation Process

the expected recovery timeline for Harper is currently estimated to be 3-4 months.this timeframe is based on the surgical procedure performed and the typical rehabilitation protocols for similar cases.

Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated recovery stages:

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-6): Focuses on pain management, wound healing, and gentle range-of-motion exercises. Harper will likely be limited to non-weight-bearing activities.

Phase 2 (weeks 7-12): gradual introduction of strengthening exercises,core stabilization,and low-impact cardio. The goal is to rebuild muscle strength and improve functional movement.

Phase 3 (Weeks 13-16+): progressive return to basketball-specific drills, including shooting, dribbling, and light contact work. This phase will be closely monitored by the Spurs’ medical staff.

Full Return to Play: dependent on Harper’s progress and clearance from medical professionals.A full return to 5-on-5 play is expected sometime during the 2025-26 season, perhaps after the All-Star break.

The Spurs’ athletic training staff will work closely with Harper throughout his rehabilitation,utilizing cutting-edge techniques and personalized training programs.Rehabilitation will be crucial for a full recovery and preventing re-injury.

impact on the San Antonio Spurs’ Roster and Strategy

Harper’s absence at the start of the season will undoubtedly affect the Spurs’ plans. He was projected to be a key contributor, offering a blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility.

Increased role for Existing Players: Players like Malaki Branham and Devonte’ Graham may see increased playing time and opportunities to showcase their skills.

Potential for Adjustments to Offensive Schemes: Coach Gregg Popovich may need to adjust the team’s offensive strategies to compensate for Harper’s absence.

Focus on Player Advancement: The Spurs can use this time to further develop their young core and integrate new players into the system.

Trade Market Considerations: While unlikely, the Spurs could explore potential trade options to address their backcourt depth.

The spurs’ front office will need to navigate this challenge strategically, ensuring the team remains competitive while prioritizing Harper’s long-term development. The team’s depth will be tested early in the season.

Spinal Conditions in Athletes: A Broader Perspective

Spinal conditions are not uncommon among professional athletes, particularly those involved in high-impact sports like basketball. These conditions can range from minor muscle strains to more serious issues affecting the vertebrae, discs, or nerves.

Common spinal conditions affecting athletes include:

Spondylolysis: A stress fracture in one of the vertebrae.

Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another.

herniated Disc: Occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer.

Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing these conditions and preventing long-term complications.Preventative measures, such as proper warm-up routines and core strengthening exercises, can also help reduce the risk of spinal injuries.

Harper’s Profile and Pre-Draft Expectations

Dylan Harper, a 6’6″ guard from Rutgers University, was widely considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.Known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive potential, Harper was expected to make an immediate impact for the Spurs.

Key strengths highlighted by scouts included:

Elite Athleticism: Possesses remarkable speed, agility, and leaping ability.

Versatile Scorer: Capable of scoring from all three levels – driving to the basket, shooting from mid-range, and hitting three-pointers.

defensive Upside: Has the size, length, and quickness to be a disruptive defender.

Playmaking Potential: Demonstrates good court vision and passing skills.

The Spurs’ decision to select Harper second overall signaled their belief in his potential to become a cornerstone player for the franchise. His long-term outlook remains positive despite this setback.

Resources and Further Details

*Cedars-Sinai