Photo: Peter Baba

With the San Antonio Spurs facing elimination in Game 5, several league observers believe rookie guard Dylan Harper deserves an expanded role against the New York Knicks.

Following San Antonio’s historic collapse in Game 4, executives and scouts from around the league pointed to Harper as a player who should be featured more prominently moving forward.

One Western Conference executive even suggested the rookie should be inserted into the starting lineup.

“He’s their second-best player,” said the executive. “It’s incredible how good he’s become so quickly.”

Harper has provided a consistent spark throughout the Finals, averaging 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while coming off the bench.

He scored 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting in Game 4 but saw limited involvement late in the contest as De’Aaron Fox handled much of the offense down the stretch.

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