LOS ANGELES — Jordan Clarkson and Dylan Harper, both with Filipino heritage, are set to face each other in the NBA Finals, with one player guaranteed to win a championship ring this month.
Clarkson, whose mother has Filipino roots, signed with the New York Knicks in July for his 12th NBA season after previous stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Utah Jazz. He has also played for the Philippines men’s national basketball team.
Clarkson said the matchup carries significance for fans. “Definitely inspiring to the Filipino-Americans and Filipinos all around the country. It’s definitely going to be fun to watch,” he said. “One of us two [is] taking a championship back home to the Philippines and representing that well.”
Harper, a rookie for the San Antonio Spurs and the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, also has Filipino heritage through his mother, Maria, who was born in the Philippines. His father, Ron Harper, won five NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
Harper said the Finals matchup holds special meaning. “Me and him get to do something really special, representing our country, where we’re from, represent everything on the biggest stage in basketball,” he said.
Clarkson also commented on Harper’s rookie season, saying he has followed his progress throughout the year. “He has been really good throughout the whole year… him being so young and having so much poise throughout this whole playoffs,” Clarkson said.
The NBA Finals will feature either Clarkson or Harper as part of the championship-winning team, marking a milestone for players of Filipino heritage in the league.