With the 2025 NBA Draft 12 days away, teams around the league are beginning to tip their hands — and two lottery teams appear to have narrowed their sights on standout freshmen from Rutgers.
The San Antonio Spurs, owners of the No. 2 overall pick, have made their intentions clear: Dylan Harper is their guy. According to multiple league sources, Harper is the only lottery pick the Spurs have brought in for a pre-draft workout, and team officials have told Harper directly that he is the player they plan to take next Thursday night.
The 6-foot-6 guard is considered one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this year’s class, blending size, creativity and defensive toughness. He was a consistent presence at Rutgers all season long, showcasing a high IQ and polished two-way game. For the Spurs, Harper’s skill set complements franchise centerpiece Victor Wembanyama — a big reason why the team has focus its attention solely on him throughout the draft process.
Meanwhile, further up the board, the Utah Jazz are keeping close tabs on another Rutgers product: forward Ace Bailey.
Utah holds the No. 5 pick and has shown strong interest in Bailey, a 6-foot-10 athletic marvel with the potential to be one of the highest-ceiling players in the draft. Sources say the Jazz have inquired about Bailey in recent days and are seriously evaluating his fit with their young core.
Bailey turned heads all year with his blend of length, fluidity and scoring instincts. His ability to create shots and defend multiple positions has made him a popular name in top-five conversations, and Utah is among the teams doing due diligence.
It’s unclear whether the Jazz would need to trade up to secure Bailey — or if they believe he might fall to them at No. 5 — but the interest is real, and the front office has been actively exploring its options.
With draft boards solidifying and franchises locking in on their targets, both San Antonio and Utah appear to have zeroed in on their preferred players. And if things hold, Rutgers may hear two of its stars called within the first five picks on draft night.
The Spurs’ laser‑focused approach stands in stark contrast to a league-wide trend of casting wide nets during draft season. By locking in on a single player, San Antonio signals supreme confidence in its scouting and a willingness to fast‑track roster cohesion rather than hedge across multiple contingencies.
Brooklyn’s pursuit of Harper underscores the belief by some of the scarcity of true primary playmakers in this year’s class. Many have noted that the Nets have dangled future first‑rounders and veteran contracts in exploratory talks, banking on the belief that Harper’s upside is worth paying a premium to leapfrog the field. Whether any package moves the Spurs off their spot remains doubtful, but the calls illustrate how coveted Harper has become.
For Utah, the Bailey conversations reflect a broader organizational pivot toward length and switchability on the wings. After multiple seasons tinkering with three‑guard lineups, the Jazz appear intent on balancing the roster with a high‑ceiling forward capable of alleviating defensive pressure on the backcourt while adding a secondary scoring option.
Rutgers, once an afterthought in NBA circles, now finds itself on the cusp of a historic night. Should both Harper and Bailey land within the top five, it would mark the program’s first pair of lottery selections in the same draft and provide a recruiting jolt that could reverberate through the Big Ten for years.
Ultimately, the dominoes will fall quickly once the draft clock starts next Thursday. If San Antonio stays put and takes Harper, subsequent picks—particularly Nos. 3 through 6—could turn into a scramble as teams adjust on the fly. Until then, the chatter will only intensify, but for now the betting money is on Harper in silver and black, Bailey drawing serious looks in Salt Lake City, and the Nets lying in wait for any sign of movement.
