NBA Fans React To Dylan Harper's Controversial Decision

Traditionally, across major North American professional sports leagues, franchises tend to honor past greats by retiring their number. Looking at the NBA, franchises like the Boston Celtics have retired 24 numbers, while the Toronto Raptors have retired just one number in Vince Carter's number 15.

However, there's also the case of players who are active and are likely to have their numbers retired, but have moved to a different team. That includes LeBron James, who's likely to have his number 23 retired there. Following the 2025 NBA Draft, Rutgers guard and San Antonio Spurs second overall pick Dylan Harper made a rather controversial pick when selecting his jersey number.

Dylan Harper (@dylanharper) will wear No. 2 for the #Spurs. Number last worn by Kawhi Leonard in 2018. #NBA pic.twitter.com/kpIhm2lNK6
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) June 26, 2025

Harper will wear No. 2 for the Spurs, the number he wore at Rutgers during his one season, and most notably worn by now Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard during his time in San Antonio. Even though the number isn't retired, Harper's decision sparked fans online to share their opinions on the controversial move.

"Disrespectful to Kawhi wow," one user shared.

"ngl I don’t think any spur should wear that. regardless of kawhi’s exit he deserves that jersey retired," one user stated.

"Yall so emotional over a number," another fan added.

"No way. Spurs shouldn’t let this number be worn," a fan replied.

"Harper will redeem number 2 and bring honor," a user proclaimed.

Dylan Harper is a stud. Almost guaranteed to give you 15/5/5 in year 1.

Does so many things on the floor well and showed @RutgersMBB fans, why he will be number 2 pick in this upcoming draft pic.twitter.com/yVuHG51NtJ
— Terrence Oglesby (@T_Oglesby22) June 24, 2025

As can be seen by the reactions, many fans believe that Harper shouldn't be able to wear the number, given Leonard was a Finals MVP and multi-time All-Star with the Spurs. However, his exit from San Antonio wasn't the smoothest, meaning the Spurs could be looking to restore the greatness that number once bestowed.

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