"I don’t control my son" - 5x NBA champion changes stance on son Dylan Harper playing for Utah Jazz
Looking ahead to the 2025 NBA draft, Dylan Harper is projected to be one of the top prospects. As he continues his journey to the pros, his father has made some choice comments about a possible landing spot.
Dylan, son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, could wind up on a vast number of teams. However, the former Chicago Bulls guard made it clear he doesn't want to see his son on the Utah Jazz. During an exchange on X, Ron stated that a trade would happen if Dylan was drafted there.
After making his first bold claim, Ron set the record straight regarding Dylan Harper. He made his feelings known but said that at the end of the day that it's his son's career and not his.
"I don’t control my son or a NBA team draft board. … lol I see pictures of a few teams that I wouldn’t want him on, but it’s not my career….."
Through his first eight games at Rutgers, Dylan is putting together a strong start to his college career. He's averaging 23.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Dylan's best outing thus far came last week against Alabama, when he erupted for 37 points in a loss.
Dylan Harper doesn't land on Utah Jazz in initial 2025 NBA mock draft
At the moment, Ron Harper doesn't have to worry about Dylan Harper landing with the Utah Jazz. Through the early weeks of the season, mock drafts have the dynamic guard landing in a rather unorthodox situation.
In his first mock of the 2025 class, draft expert Jonathan Wasserman has Dylan being selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite entering the year with visions of contending, injuries have resulted in them dropping to 4-14.
Landing in Philadelphia would put Dylan Harper in a very rare situation for a top pick. The team is far from rebuilding, as they have three All-Star-level players on their roster. This would put the young guard in a tough spot, as he wouldn't have a clear path to consistent playing time on a team like the Sixers.
Things might look that way now, but Dylan shouldn't worry too much about winding up on the Sixers. With players like Joel Embiid and Paul George on the roster, they're bound to turn things around in the coming months.
As for the Jazz, Ron could see his son drafted there come the summer. They sit in 14th place in the West with a 4-16 record. Only the New Orleans Pelicans (4-18) are below them.
Seeing that they're in the early stages of a rebuild, the Jazz are aiming to land a prospect like Dylan to be a pillar for the franchise moving forward.