The Philippines will be well represented in the NBA Finals with San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson, who both have Filipino lineage, suiting up in the best-of-seven affair.
Harper will play in the NBA Finals for the first time, while it will be Clarkson’s second trip after making it in 2018 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The rare privilege of carrying their heritage while battling for the NBA title is not lost on the 20-year-old Harper, who has repeatedly expressed his pride in having Filipino roots.
“I think me and him (Clarkson) get to do something really special, representing our country, where we’re from, representing everything on the biggest stage in basketball,” said Harper in a media conference on Tuesday.
“I feel like over there in the Philippines, basketball is probably the biggest thing. I think we’re very excited for that, and we’re just very blessed and grateful to be in this position.”
Jordan Clarkson and Dylan Harper on representing the Philippines in the NBA Finals 🇵🇭
JC: “Definitely inspiring to the Filipino Americans and Filipinos all around the country.”
DH: “Me and him get to do something really special.”
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/MWAm0JDqaT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 3, 2026
The rookie guard has been very instrumental for the Spurs in the playoffs, averaging 13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 25.6 minutes off the bench.
He is expected to play a key role against the Knicks, as he will likely be tasked with defending Jalen Brunson.
Harper’s mother, Maria Pizarro-Harper, is a Filipina, while his father is former NBA guard Ron Harper. The younger Harper is looking to follow in the footsteps of his dad, who won five titles with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The elder Harper recently took to X to reject trade proposals for his son.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is on Wednesday at Frost Bank Center.
The Philippines will be well represented in the NBA Finals with San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson, who both have Filipino lineage, suiting up in the best-of-seven affair. Harper will play in the NBA Finals for the first time, while it will be Clarkson’s second trip after making it in 2018 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
