'Sky's the limit' for new-look Spurs, Dylan Harper says - ESPN

SAN ANTONIO — As fans gathered outside the Victory Capital Performance Center in the sweltering heat Saturday for the «Spurs Family Cookout,» No. 2 pick Dylan Harper delivered a message for the team's faithful longing for San Antonio to end its six-year playoff drought.

«That's going to change really quick,» Harper said at his introductory news conference. «We're going to make the playoffs. I think for the Spurs fans and everyone else, our group is very exciting. There's a lot to look forward to. The sky's the limit for this group we've got.»

Assigned jersey No. 2, which was last worn in San Antonio by former Spurs Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, Harper also expressed confidence in his prospects for helping the franchise achieve NBA history. San Antonio drafted the last two NBA Rookie of the Year winners in Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.

No team ever has produced three consecutive winners of the award.

«I don't think I feel no pressure [to win ROY], but I definitely want to keep that going,» Harper said. «That's definitely a goal of mine. Probably my biggest goal is just getting better every day, taking it day by day, step by step, and just learning from everyone I can.»

Harper eyed a trio of sources of vast NBA knowledge dripping in championship pedigree on Friday in the middle of one of his first training sessions in San Antonio, just two days after the Spurs landed him with a top-four pick in their third consecutive draft.

«I'm working out, and I randomly see Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich and Manu Ginobili,» Harper said. «That's not something you'll see in any other organization. Growing up, this is one of the teams you always wanted to play for. Seeing their dynasty, [you] just keep wanting to build on those banners