Report: Spurs' Harper undergoes surgery to repair thumb ligament tear

San Antonio Spurs rookie and second overall pick Dylan Harper underwent surgery Friday to repair a partial ligament tear in his left thumb, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Harper reportedly tore the ligament during a workout Wednesday.

The Spurs are hopeful the former Rutgers star will recover in time for San Antonio's season opener Oct. 22 against the Dallas Mavericks, Charania adds. However, Harper is unlikely to feature during the team's preseason schedule, a source told Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. The Spurs play four exhibition contests before the regular season, beginning Oct. 8 against the Miami Heat and concluding with an Oct. 17 matchup against the Indiana Pacers.

Harper averaged 19.4 points as a freshman for the Scarlet Knights last season, adding 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game across 29 contests (28 starts). The 2024 McDonald's All-American was the highest-ranked recruit in Rutgers' program history.