Rutgers Basketball hasn’t ever had the type of talent they now possess with 2025 NBA prospects Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. The Scarlet Knights’ wins don’t reflect that, as they’re currently 12-12; an underwhelming record. Nonetheless, to base their NBA projections on their performance for a school with two NCAA Tournament appearances since 1992 would be foolhardy.
So when ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony says that Harper’s “combination of size, shot-creation prowess, passing creativity, finishing skill and scoring instincts have drawn comparisons in NBA circles to a young James Harden,” well…
Rutgers Basketball’s Dylan Harper Receives James Harden Comparison
Harper’s game can be summarized by these 3 B’s: basketball IQ, ball-handling, and body control.
Dylan Harper’s combination of size, shot-creation, passing creativity, finishing skill and scoring instincts have drawn comparisons in NBA circles to a young James Harden. The 18-year old will be an exciting addition to the NBA team lucky enough to land his services. pic.twitter.com/XtPCvdoCvY
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) February 12, 2025
The New Jersey native is an artist with the ball in his hands. While drawing his Picasso, he’s a constant threat to score and facilitate.
Frankly, this is what’s separated him from Bailey, who entered the season as the more highly-touted prospect. The 6-foot-10 forward’s limitations as a playmaker are often over-exaggerated. Nevertheless, Harper’s been more capable of taking over games.
Both Rutgers cornerstones score at a high level. Yet, Harper can score almost at will because it’s easier for him to break down a defense off-the-dribble. At the same time, he can produce points without having to put the ball in the basket himself.
Honestly, that’s a description can fit a number of players, not just Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden. However, among guard prospects, Harper’s skillset does bear a real resemblance to Harden’s, especially as a lefty. The 18-year-old has been compared to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham as well.
Suffice it to say, there’s worse company than MVP-caliber players — one of whom is already bound for the Basketball Hall of Fame.
A Statistical Comparison
Let’s get the numbers out of the way.
In 2024-25, Harper is averaging 19.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game (21 games). He’s shooting 48.3 percent from the field, 33.7 percent from three, and 74.2 percent from the field. He also has a 28.8 percent usage rate, 35.3 percent three-point attempt rate, 43.4 percent free-throw attempt rate, a 1.87 assist-to-turnover ratio, and .180 win shares per 40 minutes.
Looking at those stats doesn’t give anyone Harper’s full picture but these are important details. He excels at getting to the line as a 6-foot-6 and 220-pound hybrid guard. He isn’t overly fixated on being a facilitator but makes sound decisions. Though he doesn’t have a pristine outside jumper, he’s confident. Last but not least, he can impact a game defensively.
For comparison’s sake, Harden averaged 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game at Arizona State (35 games).
He converted 48.9 percent of his field goal attempts, 35.6 percent of his three-point attempts, and 75.6 percent of his free-throw attempts. Lastly, he had a 32.5 percent usage rate, 36.1 percent three-point attempt rate, 59.7 percent free-throw attempt rate, a 1.25 assist-to-turnover ratio, and .230 win shares per 40 minutes.
Based on just these numbers, Harden was a bit more effective. However, given the overall similarity between his output and Harper’s, there’s a good reason to compare the two. This is particularly true with Harden being listed at 6-foot-5 and 222 pounds leaving college.
© Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
