Spurs rookie Dylan Harper is expected to miss “several weeks” with a calf strain

Dylan Harper has shown more than just a No. 1 talent. 2 to start his rookie season, he’s been in perfect sync with Victor Wembanyama and is a key part of why the San Antonio Spurs are off to a 5-1 start.

That’s why the news that he’ll be out for several weeks with a calf strain — something San Antonio confirmed Monday — is a blow.

The good news is that it was just one strain, nothing more. There was concern when Harper left Sunday’s game, then left the arena in a walking boot, that this could be something more, but there is no structural damage that will keep him out for an extended period, “an MRI on Monday revealed Harper avoided a significant absence,” Shams Charania of ESPN reported.

Harper is averaging 14 points, four rebounds and 3.8 assists per game off the bench for the Spurs, but the raw numbers don’t capture how well he’s played on both ends of the court. Harper has a smooth game with the ability to get to the basket and also shoots 35.7% from beyond the arc. He didn’t look like a rookie, what he looked like was a long-term fit alongside Wembanyama.

Harper was injured in the second quarter Sunday while trying to block a post-entry pass, and then prevent a dunk by Phoenix’s Nick Richards. Harper immediately limped after the play and exited the game.

Injuries pile up for the Spurs, who remain without De’Aaron Fox, who has yet to play this season due to a hamstring problem. This will put more on Castle Stephon’s plate until one of the other guards is healthy.