### Spurs Rookie Dylan Harper Faces Extended Absence Due to Calf Strain The San Antonio Spurs have announced that rookie guard Dylan Harper will be sidelined for multiple weeks due to a left calf strain sustained during a game against the Phoenix Suns. Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, was injured while attempting to defend against a dunk in the second quarter of the match. An MRI confirmed the strain, and he was seen leaving the arena on crutches and in a walking boot, indicating the severity of the injury. This setback adds to the Spurs' existing injury challenges, which include other key players like De'Aaron Fox and Jeremy Sochan, further thinning the team's depth as they prepare for upcoming games, including a matchup against the Lakers on Wednesday [https://www.si.com/nba/dylan-harper-injury-spurs-rookie-to-miss-multiple-weeks-with-calf-strain][https://apnews.com/article/spurs-dylan-harper-calf-strain-33856d0991c91444a305b7986d26356d]. ### Breakdown of Dylan Harper's Injury Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Harper suffered a left calf strain during a game against the Suns. - The injury occurred while he was defending against Nick Richards' dunk [https://srnnews.com/report-spurs-rookie-dylan-harper-out-multiple-weeks-with-calf-strain]. 2. **Medical Assessment**: - An MRI confirmed the calf strain, and no specific return date has been set. - Harper was seen leaving the arena on crutches and wearing a walking boot, indicating a serious condition [https://www.elpasoinc.com/spurs-rookie-dylan-harper-sidelined-with-calf-strain-team-announces/article_b0118cc0-6cac-57cd-9cc6-acacf236368d.html]. 3. **Impact on Team**: - Harper has averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in his first six games. - His absence compounds the Spurs' injury woes, affecting their overall depth and performance [https://www.si.com/nba/spurs/onsi/news/san-antonio-spurs-depth-thins-rookie-dylan-harper-set-to-miss-time]. 4. **Upcoming Challenges**: - The Spurs are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers shortly, and Harper's injury will require adjustments in the lineup [https://apnews.com/article/spurs-dylan-harper-calf-strain-33856d0991c91444a305b7986d26356d]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Player Performance**: - Dylan Harper's statistics prior to the injury: - **Points per game**: 14 - **Rebounds per game**: 4 - **Assists per game**: 3.8 [https://www.si.com/nba/spurs/onsi/news/san-antonio-spurs-depth-thins-rookie-dylan-harper-set-to-miss-time]. - **Injury Context**: - Harper's injury adds to the Spurs' existing injury list, which includes: - De'Aaron Fox - Jeremy Sochan [https://www.si.com/nba/spurs/onsi/news/san-antonio-spurs-depth-thins-rookie-dylan-harper-set-to-miss-time]. ### Conclusion: The Road Ahead for the Spurs **Dylan Harper's injury is a significant setback for the San Antonio Spurs**, impacting their roster depth and performance as they navigate a challenging season. 1. **Injury Overview**: Harper's left calf strain will keep him out for several weeks, confirmed by an MRI [https://apnews.com/article/spurs-dylan-harper-calf-strain-33856d0991c91444a305b7986d26356d]. 2. **Team Impact**: His absence, along with other injured players, poses challenges for the Spurs as they prepare for upcoming games [https://www.si.com/nba/spurs/onsi/news/san-antonio-spurs-depth-thins-rookie-dylan-harper-set-to-miss-time]. 3. **Future Outlook**: The Spurs will need to adapt their strategy and lineup to cope with the loss of Harper as they face tough opponents like the Lakers [https://www.si.com/nba/spurs/onsi/news/san-antonio-spurs-depth-thins-rookie-dylan-harper-set-to-miss-time].