Dylan Harper, San Antonio’s No. 2 pick, presses pause after left-thumb ligament surgery. Expect a Halloween-like return as Spurs’ backcourt depth, led by De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, carries the load early. Harper’s Summer League flashes—athleticism, pace control, finishing with both hands—signal premium upside once healed.

With Harper out, Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe sit in the draft-week spotlight, while Harper’s Rutgers roots and family lore frame his long-term fantasy ceiling. The injury timing tests Spurs depth and fantasy lineups, but the organization remains confident in its guard-centric plan to weather the setback.

Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe ju​st kept Philly buzzing, tossing a Phillies first pitch and then taking a sideline seat at the Eagles-Cowboys opener, blending hoops, baseball and football fever in a single city night.

The clash carried chippiness, highlighted by a boneheaded moment from Eagles lineman Jalen Carter, with Philadelphia clinging to a 24-20 edge as the season opens. Edgecombe’s cross-sport appearance adds a fresh fantasy talking point for multi-league fans watching Philly’s rising star ecosystem.

NBA 2K26 reveals the top rookie ratings from the 2025 draft, led by Cooper Flagg at 82 for Dallas. The first-round cohort features Dylan Harper (78), VJ Edgecombe (76), Kon Knueppel (75), Ace Bailey (77), Tre Johnson (75), Jeremiah Fears (73) and Egor Demin (72), among others. Fantasy players should note that minute opportunities and role in the opening rotation will drive the real value of these rookies, not just their ratings. Flagg’s ceiling in DAL stands out, but others could surprise with early defensive/value contributions.