2025 NBA Draft: Is Rutgers’ Dylan Harder a Lock at No. 2 to the Spurs?

With the 2025 NBA Draft nearly here, the top of the board has taken on an air of inevitability. Cooper Flagg to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 1 is virtually locked in. But just as assured — and perhaps more quietly accepted — is Dylan Harper is the odds-on choice as the No. 2 overall pick to the San Antonio Spurs. Priced at -9000 to go second overall, Harper has been the consistent No. 2 prospect for nearly two years.

While players like Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe have made their cases, Harper’s skill set, pedigree, and poise have kept him in that top tier. Here’s why the Rutgers star is the draft’s most secure consolation prize.

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NBA Draft Info & Where to Watch

• Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
• Where to Watch: ABC, ESPN
• Where to Stream: Fubo, ABC.com, ESPN App
• Follow: SportsGrid App (Google Play Store or Apple Store)
• Date: June 25, 2025
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

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Dylan Harper: Silky Scorer, Defensive Ace, and Reliable No. 2

What makes Dylan Harper such a lock? It starts with his versatility and polish. A smooth guard with elite offensive feel, Harper can score at all three levels, create for others, and defend multiple positions. Under Steve Pikiell at Rutgers, Harper developed into a tenacious defender and a patient, high-IQ offensive player. His combination of size, strength, and skill makes him one of the most pro-ready guards in the class.

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His ascent to No. 2 has been both earned and — in some ways — the result of others sliding. Ace Bailey, once his main competition for the No. 2 spot, saw his stock dip after the NBA Combine measured him closer to 6’7” than his listed 6’10”. Meanwhile, Bailey’s off-court reputation has raised some red flags, making Harper’s professionalism even more appealing to front offices.

Still, the fact that Rutgers had both Harper and Bailey and failed to make the NCAA Tournament remains one of the great mysteries of the 2024-25 college basketball season. But for NBA teams, that won’t matter. Harper’s tools, mentality, and maturity project cleanly to the next level — and explain why No. 2 has never really been up for debate.

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*All BetMGM Data is based on straight bets