The Spurs are going to be all over All-Star Weekend - and not just on the court. The franchise is sending a strong contingent to Los Angeles, and now the Harper family is adding a unique twist to the festivities. Rookie guard Dylan Harper will team up with his brother, Ron Harper Jr., and their father, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., for the Kia Shooting Stars Challenge.
That’s three Harpers, two generations, and one very cool storyline.
Dylan was already slated to play in the Rising Stars Challenge, where he’ll be joined by second-year guard Stephon Castle - who, if you remember, took home MVP honors in last year’s game. They’ll be representing the Spurs' young core on a big stage, and it’s a chance for fans to see how this next wave of talent stacks up against the league’s best up-and-comers.
Unfortunately, Spurs two-way player David Jones-Garcia won’t be making the trip. He was originally selected to compete as part of the G League squad in the Rising Stars event, but he's been ruled out after undergoing ankle surgery last week. A tough break for a player who's been making noise at both levels.
The Spurs' rookie presence doesn’t stop there. Carter Bryant is set to take flight in the Slam Dunk Contest - and if his in-game bounce is any indication, we could be in for a show. The high-flying forward has been turning heads all season, and this is his chance to put his athleticism on full display under the bright lights.
And of course, the weekend’s main event will feature none other than Victor Wembanyama, who continues to live up to the hype and then some. He’ll be starting for Team World in the All-Star Game, a well-deserved nod for a player who’s already altering the trajectory of the Spurs' franchise. From his shot-blocking to his expanding offensive arsenal, Wemby has made it clear: he’s not just the future - he’s the now.
All-Star Weekend tips off next weekend at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The Rising Stars Challenge gets things started on Friday, February 13 at 8:00 PM CT on ESPN.
Saturday brings the Shooting Stars Challenge at 4:00 PM CT, followed by the 3-Point Shootout and Slam Dunk Contest. Then it all wraps up Sunday with the All-Star Game at 4:00 PM CT.
From rising stars to generational talent - and now a family affair - the Spurs are bringing a little bit of everything to All-Star Weekend.