Ron Harper Jr. is back with the Boston Celtics, and this time it's personal! The versatile forward has signed a two-way deal, marking his return to the organization after a brief stint with the Pistons. But this journey is more than just a contract; it's a story of perseverance and family legacy.
Harper, a 25-year-old with a basketball pedigree, went undrafted in 2022 despite a solid college career at Rutgers. He's no stranger to the Celtics, having spent time with them during the 2024 training camp and Summer League. But it's his recent experience with the Pistons that caught Boston's eye. After signing a two-way contract in January, Harper impressed in the G League, leading the Celtics to bring him back into the fold.
But here's where it gets emotional... Harper's return to Boston is a full-circle moment. He reflects on his previous training camp with the Celtics, where he learned from NBA champions, and believes this experience played a significant role in his development. When the opportunity arose to rejoin the Celtics, he didn't hesitate.
The Celtics clearly value Harper's potential, as they waived RJ Luis Jr. to make room for him on the roster. During preseason games, Harper showcased his skills alongside regular players, indicating the team's faith in his abilities. And with the Celtics' emphasis on positionless basketball, Harper's versatility as a primary or secondary ball-handler and his ability to defend and shoot threes will be invaluable.
A family affair: Harper's success is a family affair. His father, Dylan Harper, is an NBA legend with 15 seasons and 5 championships under his belt. And his brother, Dylan Harper, followed in their father's footsteps, being drafted 2nd overall by the Spurs after a season at Rutgers. Now, the brothers are both in the NBA, living out their childhood dreams.
"Me and Dylan talk every day," Harper shared. "We dreamed of this moment, playing in the NBA together. It's a testament to our hard work." Harper will be joined by fellow Celtics draft picks Amari Williams and Max Shulga in Maine, where they'll develop under new coach Phil Pressey.
This signing is a testament to the Celtics' commitment to talent development and family-like atmosphere. Harper's journey is a reminder that hard work and perseverance can lead to emotional returns. What do you think about the Celtics' decision to bring back Harper? Is he a player you'd like to see more of in the NBA?
