Dylan Harper’s success with the Spurs is quietly driving the AJ Dybantsa draft narrative. His rise from the No. 2 overall pick to a postseason hero demonstrates rapid player development at the highest level.
Harper’s Playoff Impact
Harper has been putting up historic-level numbers in the playoffs. He is also forming strong chemistry with his San Antonio Spurs teammates Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. With contributions from young players like Harper, the Spurs are building toward something historic.
His postseason surge has started drawing comparisons around the league. These discussions include the Washington Wizards, who are projected to select AJ Dybantsa after landing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery.
The Spurs already feature established talent like Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. Harper was brought in to complete the core rotation.
Shooting Transformation
After a relatively quiet regular season adjustment period, Harper’s playoff performance has marked a full breakout. He is averaging 13.7 points per game on 66% true shooting in 11 postseason games.
- Harper holds the highest two-point percentage by a guard in NBA playoff history at 62.7%.
He has shown a major shooting transformation from deep over his first 79 NBA games. In his first 40 games, he shot 24.5% from three on 102 attempts, but in his last 39 games, that number jumped to 45.4% on 97 attempts.
Dybantsa’s Potential Role with the Wizards
The Wizards already have established stars like Anthony Davis and Trae Young. They will be looking for their incoming No. 1 pick to deliver the kind of immediate impact Harper has provided to the Spurs. On the college side, Dybantsa arrives after leading BYU with 25.5 points per game during his career.
Dybantsa entered the lottery as the clear frontrunner to land with the Wizards, largely due to how well he projects alongside their young core. It marks the first time Washington has held the No. 1 overall selection since 2010, when they drafted guard John Wall.
The Wizards will be hoping that Dybantsa can provide the same level of contribution as Harper has for the Spurs.