Dylan Harper’s dad Ron Harper defends son from fan backlash for taking Kawhi Leonard’s iconic #2 jersey on Spurs: “He’s still playing”

Dylan Harper will wear No. 2 for the San Antonio Spurs. The jersey number was last worn by Kawhi Leonard, the 2014 NBA Finals MVP. Ron Harper, the Spurs rookie’s five-time NBA champion father, replied to a fan who criticized Dylan for choosing the franchise legend’s number.

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One fan criticized the former Rutgers star's jersey number decision:

"Kawhi's number deserves to be retired. Disgusting."

The rookie's father replied to the fan's tweet:

"He’s still playing I think."

The fan replied to Ron, asking if Dylan would give up the number once Leonard retires. However, the former NBA guard did not respond anymore.

"So Dylan will give it up when Kawhi retires?"

Ron Harper played in the NBA for 15 years and won five titles. He was part of the Chicago Bulls' second three-peat (1996-98) and was a member of the 2000 and 2001 LA Lakers championship teams. Harper played with NBA legends Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

His other son, Ron Harper Jr., signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons last season. Harper Jr. went undrafted in 2022 and has spent time in the G League.

Leonard played seven seasons with San Antonio before a much-publicized divorce in 2018. As a Spur, Leonard was a two-time All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time All-NBA first-team selection and a member of the All-Defensive team four times.

Dylan Harper sends a message to Spurs fans following the draft

Dylan Harper, the second pick of the 2025 draft, sent a message to San Antonio Spurs fans. Harper shared a photo of himself wearing the Spurs hat following his selection on Wednesday.

"Spurs nation let's do it mannnnnn," Harper wrote.

While Cooper Flagg has long been the consensus top pick in the draft, pundits have regarded Dylan Harper as the second-best prospect. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 19.4 ppg on 48.4% shooting in his lone season with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

With Dylan Harper in the fold, San Antonio has arguably one of the best young cores in the NBA next season, led by 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs have one-time All-Star De'Aaron Fox and young guns Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson.

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Kim Daniel Rubinos

Kim is an editor for US Sports and an NBA and WNBA analyst at Sportskeeda with a decade of multi-industry experience. He has a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in finance.

Writing has been Kim's passion, and during college, he was editor-in-chief. He has also accumulated a diverse entrepreneurial background. He possesses a knack for research and was recently a professor.

Kim has been a Boston Celtics fan since 2007, through its many ups and downs. He was delighted when the Cs raised its 18th banner in 2024.

Beyond basketball, he also enjoys following the NFL, MLB and F1. When not immersed in the world of sports and when he is not editing or writing, Kim is likely searching for the perfect cup of joe.

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