Dylan Harper Aims for Spurs Role Amid De'aaron Fox's Struggles

WHO:

NY Post - Dylan Harper, De'Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks

RealGM Basketball - Mitch Johnson, Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle

WHAT:

RealGM Basketball - Dylan Harper is the No. 2 pick in last year's draft.

RealGM Basketball - Harper scored 25 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, becoming the sixth rookie in league history to do so in an elimination game.

RealGM Basketball - The Spurs lost the NBA Finals to the New York Knicks with a series score of 4-1.

RealGM Basketball - De'Aaron Fox shot 34.3 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range during the Finals, including a 3-of-15 performance in Game 5.

RealGM Basketball - Fox's four-year contract extension is worth $229 million, increasing his salary from $37.1 million to $49.8 million, with a final-year payout of $61.7 million in 2029-30.

WHERE:

RealGM Basketball - The events took place during the NBA Finals, involving the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.

WHEN:

RealGM Basketball - The Spurs acquired De'Aaron Fox in February 2025.

RealGM Basketball - Fox's contract extension kicks in next season.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - Expectations are building for Harper's camp to push for a starting role due to Fox's struggles in the Finals.

RealGM Basketball - Sources described Fox as a calming presence and the team's closer for most of the season, indicating that one difficult series does not change the Spurs' commitment to him as the starter.

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - Harper's playing time increased as the season progressed, leading to his breakout performance in the Finals.

(UPDATED June 20, 2026 15:32 UTC)

Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick in last year's draft, made headlines by scoring 25 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, becoming just the sixth rookie in league history to achieve that feat in an elimination game. The San Antonio Spurs lost the series to the New York Knicks with a score of 4-1, while De'Aaron Fox struggled, shooting only 34.3 percent from the field and 25 percent from beyond the arc during the Finals, including a disappointing 3-of-15 in Game 5. Despite these challenges, Fox secured a four-year contract extension worth $229 million, and expectations are rising for Harper to push for a starting role next season as the Spurs remain committed to Fox as their starter.