Spurs Eye Two Elite Teammates with the Second Pick After Lottery Shake-Up
In one of the more unpredictable draft lotteries in recent memory, the Dallas Mavericks stunned the league by securing the first overall pick despite having just a 1.8% chance. The San Antonio Spurs, with a six percent chance at the top spot, landed the second overall pick, a solid consolation prize. Meanwhile, the three worst teams from the 2024–2025 NBA season, each holding 14% odds, were pushed down to the fourth-sixth pick. With Cooper Flagg expected to go first, San Antonio now holds the keys to selecting the second-best prospect in a deep and talented draft class.
Two players stand out as prime candidates for the Spurs at second overall, and they just happen to be college teammates at Rutgers. Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey both had outstanding seasons and offer different skill sets that could complement San Antonio’s core. The choice may come down to fit versus potential, as each brings something unique to the table. The Spurs will have the luxury, but also the pressure, of choosing between two future stars.
Dylan Harper is a six-foot-six combo guard who averaged 19.4 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game on 48% shooting. He’s a crafty finisher, relentless attacking the rim, and capable of playing both guard positions. Harper’s game draws comparisons to Stephon Castle, blending scoring instincts with solid playmaking. While he’s considered the second-best overall prospect by many, San Antonio’s guard depth could complicate the fit. The Spurs already have Stephon Castle and recently acquired De’Aaron Fox, two dynamic guards who are expected to play major roles. Adding Harper could crowd the backcourt and limit development opportunities for all three. However, Harper’s versatility and upside might be too good to pass up, especially if the Spurs view him as the best player available. Talent often trumps fit in the early lottery, and Harper would certainly raise the Spurs’ ceiling.
On the other hand, Ace Bailey offers a different kind of appeal: upside, positional fit, and long-term growth. The six-foot-ten, 18-year-old forward averaged 17.6 points and seven rebounds while shooting 46% from the field. He’s a fluid athlete with perimeter skills, and his potential as a two-way wing makes him a compelling choice. Bailey’s game has drawn early comparisons to Brandon Miller, with scouts believing he could eventually become a top-tier scorer and defender. From a roster perspective, Bailey may be the better fit for San Antonio’s current trajectory. With Harrison Barnes in the final year of his contract, the Spurs have a natural opening at the forward position. Pairing Bailey with Victor Wembanyama would give San Antonio a lengthy, athletic frontcourt with enormous upside. Bailey wouldn’t need to be a star right away, but in time, he could be a perfect complement to Wembanyama and Fox.
This decision will ultimately come down to what the Spurs value more: immediate polish or long-term fit. Harper may be more NBA-ready, but his overlap with existing personnel presents challenges. Bailey, while less refined, fills a positional need and fits the mold of the modern, versatile forward. Either player could help transform San Antonio’s future, but only one will hear his name called second overall by the Spurs.
With Cooper Flagg likely off the board, the Spurs are still in a position of power at second overall. Choosing between Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, or even other rising prospects will shape the next phase of the franchise's rebuild. Harper gives them another playmaker with elite upside, while Bailey offers a high-ceiling wing who fills a real need. If San Antonio bets on fit and long-term growth, Bailey could be the piece that completes a championship-caliber foundation built around Wembanyama and Fox.
