Devin Vassell 's praise for Dylan Harper after the Finals also shed light on the tension that had built up around San Antonio 's guard rotation throughout the season.
The Spurs did not lose the championship because of one player, but the split between Harper and De'Aaron Fox is hard to ignore now.
San Antonio had a rookie finishing the Finals strong and a veteran guard struggling when it mattered most.
Vassell admitted after the Knicks' 94-90 title-clinching win that Harper had not always been happy with his role.
"Dylan — I think we all knew he was talented. I don't know if anybody knew he was this talented besides himself. He was upset with playing time and different roles that he was in, but when we needed him most, he stepped up. And we have a star in the making. And I know that he's gonna put so much work into the offseason. It's not just offensively, but defensively — he's made a lot of plays, he's grown so much. And he's 20, 21 years old? I mean, the sky is the limit for him. So I'm just really proud of 'em."
That quote hits home because Harper's role did grow, but the Spurs still leaned on Fox as their lead guard. Harper finished the Finals averaging 18.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 31.0 minutes, shooting 49.5% from the field and 33.3% from three.
His Game 5 performance stood out. Harper scored 25 points with five rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes, giving the Spurs a different look next to Victor Wembanyama .
Fox's series made the roster question even clearer. He averaged 12.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.8 turnovers in 36.6 minutes, while shooting just 34.3% overall and 25.0% from three.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The contrast was obvious in Game 5, when Fox went 3-of-15 for seven points while Harper looked like the more confident guard. That does not erase Fox's career, but it does put his role under the spotlight.
The contract situation adds another layer. Fox has one year left at $37.1 million before a four-year, $221.76 million extension kicks in for the 2026-27 season.
Harper's rookie deal is worth $56.14 million over four years, with $25.36 million guaranteed, two team options, and restricted free agency in 2029.
The Spurs could try to keep both, but the Finals may have shifted the conversation. If San Antonio has to choose which guard fits better alongside Wembanyama long-term, Harper just made a strong case as the younger, cheaper option.
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