The 2025 NBA Draft concluded with several impressive selections. The San Antonio Spurs selected Dylan Harper as the second overall pick. However, his jersey number with the Spurs generated considerable discussions among fans.
Harper played college basketball for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the class of 2024. Recently, Etienne Catalan revealed that the Spurs permitted Harper to wear the number 2 jersey he wore during his single season at Rutgers.
This choice sparked controversy, as Kawhi Leonard last wore the number during his time with the Spurs. Leonard played six seasons for the Spurs after entering the NBA. He clinched his first NBA championship while playing the number 2 Jersey.
The Spurs allow Dylan Harper to wear No. 2, via @EtienneCatalan
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 27, 2025
The disrespect 👀 pic.twitter.com/qM9aTHCP2I
The NBA has a longstanding tradition where franchises retire the jersey numbers of their legendary players. However, in some cases, players who joined different teams and are currently playing still don’t get that recognition. Leonard’s case is one of them.
NBA Fans Started Criticizing Dylan Harper For His Controversial Decision
When news about Dylan Harper’s jersey number surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), fans quickly flooded the comment section with their reactions. Several fans criticized him for choosing Leonard’s jersey number.
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One fan said, “Kawhi’s number deserves to be retired. Disgusting.”
Kawhi's number deserves to be retired. Disgusting.
— Ben (@TheHurricaneBen) June 27, 2025
Meanwhile, another fan mentioned, “D Harp lowkey lame for taking it in the first place.”
D Harp lowkey lame for taking it in the first place
— wholesome nba fan (@idcstfumaynee) June 27, 2025
Another fan commented, “damn he’s doing Kahwi dirty man.”
damn he’s doing Kahwi dirty man
— Brady (@MoeJazulla) June 27, 2025
Another fan commented, “2 being my favorite number I can’t blame harp. However, if he respected Kawhi, he’d rock 22 or sun else tbh.”
2 being my favorite number I can’t blame harp. However, if he respected Kawhi, he’d rock 22 or sun else tbh.
— BAR TALK (@K2KN2X) June 27, 2025
A sports enthusiast mentioned, “Kinda disrespectful ngl I wouldn’t let spurs do it kawhi one of the better ever can’t no one do what he does on both ends.”
Kinda disrespectful ngl I wouldn’t let spurs do it kawhi one of the better ever can’t no one do what he does on both ends
— Mellow (@mellowkid89) June 28, 2025
Another fan commented, “Big shoes to fill kid.”
Big shoes to fill kid
— Scottie Barnes Burner ⁶𓅓 (@ScottieB_Ego) June 28, 2025
In the 2024-25 NCAA season for Rutgers, Harper averaged 19.4 points, four assists, and 4.6 rebounds over 29 games.
Also Read: Victor Wembanyama Delivers Hilarious Introduction As Spurs Welcome No. 2 Pick Dylan Harper
