The Boston Celtics made an interesting roster move a week before their opening night contest against the Philadelphia 76ers.
On Thursday, the organization signed the son of a former Los Angeles Lakers forward who won five championships during his 15-year NBA career to support Jaylen Brown.
“The Boston Celtics are signing Ron Harper Jr. (Ron Harper's son) to a two-way NBA contract," ESPN's Shams Charania reported. "Harper earns Celtics roster spot and enters a fourth NBA season after having a strong preseason.”
Harper, who competed with Boston’s G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, last season, averaged 4.3 points per game in three contests with Boston in the preseason.
The Rutgers product did finish with a 58.3% three-point shooting percentage, but only attempted seven triples on the hardwood.
Considering Harper doesn’t boast a reputation for altering the course of games on the defensive end (due to his lack of lateral quickness), it may a bit surprising to some that he landed a two-way deal with the 2024 NBA champions.
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However, it’s important to factor in the fact that familiarity matters when making pivotal roster decisions.
Harper isn’t a stranger to the Celtics’ organization, and if he continues to develop in the G-League and turn his weaknesses into strengths, he may be fortunate enough to have his two-way deal converted to a standard contract in the foreseeable future.
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