Dylan Harper was considered one of the standout rookies in the NBA for his promising performances throughout the season.
However, there were several moments when San Antonio Spurs fans felt he deserved more playing time. But those opportunities didn’t come consistently, much to Harper’s and the supporters’ frustration.
What Devin Vassell Said About Dylan Harper’s Frustration Following Game 5
In what was an offensively subpar night for the San Antonio roster, Harper came off the bench and dropped 25 points on 10-of-19 shooting against the New York Knicks.
Meanwhile, starter De’Aaron Fox struggled heavily, finishing with just 7 points on 3-of-15 shooting across 37 minutes.
After the Spurs’ Game 5 loss to the New York Knicks on Saturday, Devin Vassell detailed Harper’s feelings over limited minutes and an inconsistent role.
“He was upset with playing time and the different roles he was in,” Vassell said. “But when we needed him most, he stepped up. We have a star in the making.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 was he 20, 21 years old? I mean, the sky’s the limit for him.”
Genuinely fascinating that Vassell says Dylan Harper was upset with playing time and roles throughout the season. pic.twitter.com/QBj5IpJBD2
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) June 14, 2026
Throughout the Finals, the debate over Harper’s role intensified as he consistently produced strong performances despite limited opportunities.
The flags surrounding his usage grew beyond NBA circles, as Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons said the Spurs’ hesitation to fully empower the No. 2 pick may have ultimately cost them a championship run.
Meanwhile, outspoken Knicks supporter Dave Portnoy also heavily criticized the Spurs’ decision-making after Game 5, calling the continued preference for Fox over Harper “bananaland” and even comparing it to the infamous Chicago Black Sox scandal.
Harper posted consistent scoring numbers in his first five games of the NBA Finals: 16, 15, 13, 21, and 25 points.
His Game 5 breakout was on the back of an equally strong Game 4, where he dropped 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
While most rookies spend their debut year adjusting to the NBA, Harper contributed on the biggest stage in basketball against the Knicks.
He has already made a significant impact, becoming just the fourth rookie in NBA history to score 20-plus points in consecutive Finals games, joining an elite group that includes Alvan Adams, Tom Heinsohn, and Joe Fulks.
Harper also became the only NBA player to record 90+ PTS, 30+ REB & 10+ AST off the bench in a single Finals Run, per Kalshi Hoops.
All of this has fueled growing questions about what San Antonio could have achieved had they given Harper a larger role and more consistent minutes this season.
