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Regardless of who wins the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, an NBA player with Filipino blood will finally win a ring.
Interest in this year’s NBA Finals will surely spike in the Philippines as two players with Filipino roots – the New York Knicks’ Jordan Clarkson and the San Antonio Spurs’ Dylan Harper – will be on opposite sides.
Both players have always championed their Filipino roots on social media and media interviews.
Clarkson’s affinity with the Philippines has long been documented, dating back to 2015 when he first came here to explore the possibility of playing for Gilas Pilipinas. He finally donned the Gilas jersey at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where he almost single-handedly towed a hastily-formed Gilas team past China.
Clarkson has frequently referenced his maternal grandmother, who is from Pampanga, as a major motivation in his decision to play for the Philippines. He even has a tattoo of her likeness on his chest.
Harper’s mother, the former Maria Pizarro, was born in Bataan and remains a major influence in both her sons’ NBA careers. Harper has also spoken about the Filipino values that his mother has consistently inculcated in him and his brother Ron, Jr.
“Another amazing thing that’s happening right now, definitely inspiring to the Filipino-Americans and Filipinos all around the country,” Clarkson said to ABS-CBN’s TJ Manotoc during the players’ media availability ahead of Game 1 in San Antonio. “So it’s definitely going to be fun to watch.”
Clarkson is eager to face Harper in the Finals, and revealed that he’s been keeping tabs on the young Spurs star.
“He’s been really good throughout the whole year. I’ve been watching him keeping up with him as well. And him being so young, having so much poise throughout this whole playoffs. You know, it’s a great sight to see a young star coming in this league and I’m doing what he’s doing… One of us to taking a championship back home to the Philippines and representing.”
Harper also recognizes the historical moment that’s about to unfold.
“I think me and him get to do something really special, represent our country, where we’re from, represent everything on the on the biggest stage of basketball. And I feel like over there in the Philippines, basketball it’s 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.”
Even the league acknowledges this.
“It’s incredible,” NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said in an online roundtable with international media.
“I mean, we know how passionate fans in the Philippines are for NBA basketball. We’re excited. Speaking about viewing parties, that Amazon is hosting a viewing party there for Game 2 of the Finals. And we know how much fans in the country love the game, so we really expect an incredible atmosphere at those viewing parties.
“But it really does, again, speak to the amount of talent that exists around the world. And with Dylan and Jordan and their Filipino roots, I think it’s wonderful to see. And I know that the Filipino fans are thrilled about seeing both of them compete against each other there in the NBA Finals.”
Banner images from NBA Entertainment. Artwork by Robin Topacio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jordan Clarkson of the New York Knicks and Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs both have Filipino roots and are competing in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Clarkson’s maternal grandmother is from Pampanga. He played for Gilas Pilipinas at the 2018 Asian Games and has a tattoo of his grandmother on his chest.
Yes. Harper’s mother, Maria Pizarro, was born in Bataan, Philippines, and has been a major influence on both Dylan and his brother Ron Harper Jr.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum called it incredible, highlighting Filipino fans’ passion and noting Amazon is hosting a viewing party in the Philippines for Game 2.
No. The 2026 NBA Finals marks the first time a player of Filipino descent is guaranteed to win an NBA championship, regardless of which team wins.