Ron Harper Defends Son Dylan Facing Backlash for Picking Iconic Kawhi Leonard Jersey Number for Spurs 

Dylan Harper is set to earn a whopping $56.1 million in addition to wearing the legendary Number 2 Spurs jersey ahead of his rookie season.

Ron Harper Defends Son Dylan Facing Backlash for Picking Iconic Kawhi Leonard Jersey Number for Spurs 

Dylan Harper (Image by FirstSportz)

The past two years have been fortunate for the San Antonio Spurs in terms of selecting prospects. Thanks to the efforts of Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama, the squad has won Rookie of the Year twice in a row. Dylan Harper, the #2 overall choice, gives them a strong shot this year as well. After No.1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, Harper is tipped to be a standout talent going toe-to-toe with Flagg for the 1st pick.

Notably, Harper will wear the legendary Number 2 jersey at the Spurs, previously donned by former Spurs player Kawhi Leonard. Now, just as this news broke, the NBA world wasted no time in pouncing on Harper’s decision to wear the legendary jersey.

Mostly because Leonard’s jersey contains sentimental value, with the Spurs winning the 2014 NBA title. Also, Leonard was named the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP). Now, with Harper taking the jersey, many fans have an issue with it, slandering the rookie for wearing the historic jersey number. This did not go down well with Harper’s dad, Ron Harper, another former basketball player.

Ron Harper took to X to reply to a few posts that were having a jab at his son on the platform.

They will know how it feels anyway let them troll

Ron Harper wrote on X

He’s still playing I think

Ron Harper replied to a fan claiming Kawhi’s number deserves to be retired

Shut up

To one fan who called his son ‘lame’ Ron Harper said

On the other hand, the excitement for Harper’s performance is evident as he gets ready for his debut. His interpretation of No. 2’s history and his ability to forge his own story inside the brand are highly anticipated by fans.

Dylan Harper’s adventure is just getting started, and even though legends still hang over him, he has the chance to write his own story in the Spurs’ legendary past. Wearing number two, he not only honors Kawhi Leonard’s legacy but also accepts the task of upholding it when he takes the court.

Fans left amused after Dylan Harper chooses to wear the No.2 Spurs jersey

The second overall selection, Dylan Harper, is regarded as one of his draft class’s most gifted players. Harper’s rookie contract with the San Antonio Spurs is expected to pay an incredible $56.1 million, surpassing his father’s professional earnings. His contract numbers aren’t a main concern here; instead, it’s his jersey number that is causing much chaos amongst the fans.

Harper’s decision to wear the Number 2 jersey has got the fans amused and stunned as it has immense value(as mentioned above). The majority of the NBA fans took to various social media apps to put forward their thoughts on this matter. One of the fans wrote on X, “Kid better win 2 dpoys and a finals mvp than” Check out some of the reactions below:

As for Harper, the Rutgers guard will have to contend with De’Aaron Fox of the Spurs and Stephon Castle, the current ROTY, for a starting position. Harper will still have the job cut out for him, even though San Antonio has some room to operate with a three-guard lineup.

Ron Harper had the ‘perfect response’ to his son Dylan Harper’s earnings in his rookie season

Times change! And with time, everything does as well. Such is the case of the father-son duo, Ron Harper and Dylan Harper. Throughout his entire career, Ron Harper managed to earn just a mere $35 million. On the other hand, Dylan, his son, will be earning $56.1 million only in his rookie contract. This left many trolling the former NBA player.

Dylan Harper
Dylan Harper (Credits: MARCA)

However, Ron saw the other side of this and had the perfect response to today’s generation on X.

You all are worried about the wrong things in life.. the joy of having my kids chase a dream and make it work, that’s awesome. Enjoy.

Ron Harper wrote on X

Ron Harper’s response demonstrates his character and his belief in his child. Dylan Harper was always thought to have one of the class’s best ceilings and draft values. Cooper Flagg of Duke, who was chosen by the Dallas Mavericks with the first overall choice, almost beat him for the first slot, but the Rutgers guard is still on a very talented Spurs team.

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