Ron Harper
Five-time NBA champion and Miami University legend.
Ron Harper is an American former professional basketball player who played for four teams in the NBA between 1986 and 2001 and is a five-time NBA champion.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 12 April 2000
- Birthplace
- Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
- League
- NBA
- Team
- Boston Celtics
- Position
- Small forward; shooting guard
- High school
- Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, New Jersey)
- College
- Rutgers (2018–2022)
Lore & Background
Born January 20, 1964, in Dayton, Ohio, Harper was the youngest of six children. He attended Belmont High School but was cut from the freshman team, then transferred to Kiser High School, where as a senior he averaged 20.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, five assists, five steals and six blocked shots and was named first-team All-Ohio. He graduated in 1982. At Miami University, he starred for four seasons, becoming the school's all-time leading scorer with 2,377 points and leading rebounder with 1,119. He was the first men's player in MAC history to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds. His number 34 was retired at his final home game in 1986. Drafted eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1986, he later played for the Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls, winning five NBA championships with the Bulls.
Reader's Guide
Harper was selected in the first round (eighth overall) in the 1986 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He made his NBA debut on November 1, 1986. He scored a season-high 40 points against the Boston Celtics on February 4, 1987. He placed second in Rookie of the Year balloting. In his fourth season, after seven games with the Cavaliers, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on November 16, 1989. His season was cut short by a serious right knee injury. He signed a free-agent deal with the Chicago Bulls on September 15, 1994. With the Bulls, he won three consecutive NBA championships (1996, 1997, 1998). He played his final season with the Bulls during the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season.
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