Ron Harper

Ronald 'Ron' Harper Sr. is far more than just a five-time NBA champion; his remarkable journey saw him transform his game completely, becoming an indispensable piece of two legendary basketball dynasties. From a high-flying scorer to a gritty, defensive anchor, Harper's career is a testament to adaptability and resilience at the highest level of professional sports. Join us as we explore the unexpected evolution of a true basketball survivor. Ron Harper overcame being cut from his high school freshman team to become a collegiate superstar and record-breaker. His NBA career saw a dramatic shift from a primary scoring option to a versatile defensive specialist crucial for championship teams. Harper achieved the rare feat of winning five NBA championships with two different iconic franchises: the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

Ron Harper overcame being cut from his high school freshman team to become a collegiate superstar and record-breaker.
His NBA career saw a dramatic shift from a primary scoring option to a versatile defensive specialist crucial for championship teams.
Harper achieved the rare feat of winning five NBA championships with two different iconic franchises: the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ron Harper: The Adaptable Champion

Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1964, Ron Harper's path to basketball stardom wasn't a straight line. The youngest of six, his early hoops career faced an unexpected setback that would test his determination from the very start.

Early Setbacks, Soaring Success

In a twist of fate, Harper was cut from his freshman high school team and didn't even play as a sophomore. But instead of giving up, he transferred to Kiser High School, where his talent truly began to shine. By his senior year, he was a first-team All-Ohio selection, averaging an astounding 20.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, five assists, five steals, and six blocked shots per game.

His incredible high school performance left such a legacy that years later, in 2006, the gymnasium at Kiser High School—now an elementary school—was officially named in his honor. It was a powerful recognition of a local legend who defied early adversity.

College Stardom at Miami (OH)

Harper continued his impressive ascent at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he played for four seasons. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, leading the team in scoring and rebounding by his sophomore year and guiding them to a conference championship and an NCAA tournament berth.

His junior and senior seasons were nothing short of spectacular. He consistently led the team in scoring, rebounding, and steals, earning back-to-back MAC Player of the Year awards. His senior year included a remarkable 45-point, 18-rebound game, setting a Miami and MAC tournament record.

He also became the first MAC player in history to achieve a triple-double with an incredible 38 points, 19 rebounds, and 12 assists against Ball State. By the time he left, Harper was Miami's all-time leading scorer with 2,377 points and rebounder with 1,119 — the first men's player in MAC history to surpass 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

His collegiate achievements were so profound that in 1986, his number 34 jersey was retired, making him the first basketball player in Miami University history to receive such an honor. It solidified his place as a genuine college basketball icon.

NBA Beginnings: Cleveland Cavaliers

Drafted eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1986, Harper immediately made an impact in the NBA. He quickly showcased his scoring prowess, breaking 30 points in only his sixth game and dropping 40 points against the formidable Boston Celtics later that season.

As a rookie, he started all 82 games, averaging an impressive 22.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. This stellar performance earned him a second-place finish in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting, a strong start to what would become a legendary career.

His time in Cleveland was marked by high scoring and memorable playoff battles against Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. The 1989 series famously ended with 'The Shot,' a one-point loss in Game 5 that would foreshadow a significant shift in Harper's career path.

L.A. Clippers: Resilience and High Scoring

Midway through his fourth season, Harper was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite the change of scenery, he continued to be an explosive offensive talent, but a serious knee injury involving a torn ACL and cartilage cut his first season with the Clippers short.

Showing incredible resilience, Harper bounced back from his injury. By his sixth NBA season, he was starting all 82 games again, consistently averaging over 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He even tallied a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, plus six steals in 1994.

The Bulls Dynasty: Reinvention and Rings

In 1994, Harper signed with the Chicago Bulls, a move that would fundamentally alter his career. With Michael Jordan briefly retired, the Bulls were reloading, and Harper initially struggled to find his role.

However, upon Jordan's return, Harper underwent a remarkable transformation. Shedding his primary scoring role, he reinvented himself as an elite perimeter defender, a capable ball-handler, and a clutch mid-range scorer. This adaptability proved crucial for the Bulls' second three-peat.

As a key defensive specialist and veteran presence, Harper helped the Bulls achieve a then-record 72-10 season in 1995-96, culminating in his first NBA championship. He would go on to win two more rings with the Bulls in 1997 and 1998, establishing himself as an integral part of one of the greatest teams in NBA history.

Lakers: Back-to-Back Titles

After Jordan's second retirement and the dismantling of the Bulls dynasty, Harper reunited with his former coach, Phil Jackson, signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1999. There, he continued his role as a defensive stalwart and mentor alongside young superstars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

Harper's veteran presence and defensive tenacity were vital as the Lakers embarked on their own championship run. He played a significant role in their 2000 and 2001 NBA championships, securing his fourth and fifth rings in a remarkable six-year span. This made him one of the few players to win multiple titles with two different dynasties.

Career Statistics Legend

A quick guide to understanding Ron Harper's impressive career statistics:

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high
†	Won an NBA championship	*	Led the league

Regular Season Statistics

Ron Harper's full NBA regular season statistics are a testament to his versatility and longevity.

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1986–87	Cleveland	82	82	37.4	.455	.213	.684	4.8	4.8	2.5	1.0	22.9
1987–88	Cleveland	52	52	32.1	.464	.150	.705	3.9	4.9	2.1	.9	15.4
1988–89	Cleveland	82	82	34.8	.511	.250	.751	5.0	5.3	2.3	.9	18.6
1989–90	Cleveland	7	7	37.4	.442	.200	.756	6.9	7.0	2.0	1.3	22.0
1989–90	L.A. Clippers	28	28	39.5	.481	.283	.795	5.6	4.8	2.4	1.1	23.0
1990–91	L.A. Clippers	39	34	35.5	.391	.324	.668	4.8	5.4	1.7	.9	19.6
1991–92	L.A. Clippers	82	82	38.3	.440	.303	.736	5.5	5.1	1.9	.9	18.2
1992–93	L.A. Clippers	80	77	37.1	.451	.280	.769	5.3	4.5	2.2	.9	18.0
1993–94	L.A. Clippers	75	75	38.1	.426	.301	.715	6.1	4.6	1.9	.7	20.1
1994–95	Chicago	77	53	19.9	.426	.282	.618	2.3	2.0	1.3	.4	6.9
1995–96†	Chicago	80	80	23.6	.467	.269	.705	2.7	2.6	1.3	.4	7.4
1996–97†	Chicago	76	74	22.9	.436	.362	.707	2.5	2.5	1.1	.5	6.3
1997–98†	Chicago	82*	82*	27.9	.441	.190	.750	3.5	2.9	1.3	.6	9.3
1998–99	Chicago	35	35	31.6	.377	.318	.703	5.1	3.3	1.7	1.0	11.2
1999–00†	L.A. Lakers	80	78	25.5	.399	.311	.680	4.2	3.4	1.1	.5	7.0
2000–01†	L.A. Lakers	47	46	24.2	.469	.264	.708	3.5	2.4	.5	.5	6.5
Career		1009	967	30.9	.446	.289	.720	4.3	3.9	1.7	.7	13.8

Playoff Statistics

Harper's playoff performances underscore his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most, especially in his earlier career.

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1988	Cleveland	4	4	33.5	.476	.000	.688	5.0	3.8	2.8	1.0	17.8
1989	Cleveland	5	5	37.8	.565	.000	.769	4.2	4.0	2.2	.8	19.6
1992	L.A. Clippers	5	5	41.2	.448	.111	.786	6.4	4.6	1.0	.8	18.0
1993	L.A. Clippers	5	5	34.8	.474	.500	.647	4.0	3.2	3.0	2.0	18.0
1995	Chicago	6	0	6.7	.429	.000	.000	1.0	.7	.5	.2	2.0
1996†	Chicago	18	16	27.4	.425	.319	.690	3.7	2.5	1.4	.4	8.8
1997†	Chicago	19	19	27.1	.400	.344	.750	4.3	3.0	1.3	.7	7.5
1998†	Chicago	21	21	26.8	.459	.263	.615	3.7	2.3	1.0	.9	6.7
2000†	L.A. Lakers	23	23	28.0	.431	.231	.702	3.7	3.2	1.0	.6	8.6
2001†	L.A. Lakers	6	0	7.0	.500	.250	.667	1.3	.7	.7	.2	2.2
Career		112	98	26.8	.450	.292	.698	3.7	2.7	1.3	.7	9.0

College Statistics

Before his NBA career, Ron Harper left an indelible mark on college basketball.

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1982–83	Miami (OH)	28	–	31.7	.497	–	.674	7.0	2.2	2.2	1.0	12.9
1983–84	Miami (OH)	30	–	33.0	.537	–	.570	7.6	2.1	1.4	1.0	16.3
1984–85	Miami (OH)	31	–	36.9	.541	–	.661	10.7	2.5	2.6	1.5	24.9
1985–86	Miami (OH)	31	–	36.9	.545	–	.665	11.7	4.3	3.3	2.3	24.4
Career		120	–	34.7	.534	–	.642	9.3	2.8	2.4	1.5	19.8

Beyond the Court

After retiring as a player, Harper briefly served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons. But his impact extends beyond coaching; he's also known for his advocacy. Having battled stuttering throughout his life, he dedicates time to the National Stuttering Association, encouraging others facing similar challenges.

In a fun pop culture moment, Harper even appeared in the Nickelodeon sitcom 'Kenan & Kel' in 1997, showcasing his playful side off the court. Today, the Harper basketball legacy continues, as his sons, Ron Harper Jr. and Dylan Harper, have followed in his footsteps to the NBA, carrying on the family's incredible hoops tradition.

Article

Ron Harper

Ronald Harper Sr. (born January 20, 1964) is an American former professional basketball player. He played for four teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) between 1986 and 2001 and is a five-time NBA champion.

Early life

Ron Harper

Ronald Harper Sr. was born on January 20, 1964, in Dayton, Ohio. Harper was the youngest of six children.

In high school, he first attended Belmont High School in Dayton, but was cut from the freshman team and didn't play as a sophomore. He later transferred to Kiser High School in Dayton and as a senior averaged 20.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, five assists, five steals and six blocked shots and was named first-team All-Ohio. He graduated from Kiser in 1982.

The Kiser High School facility is now an elementary school. In 2006, Harper attended a ceremony at which the school's gymnasium was named for him.

College career

Ron Harper

Harper starred at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, for four seasons from 1982–83 through 1985–86.

As a freshman, Harper scored 12.8 points per game and led Miami in rebounding with 7.0 per game as the team went 13–15. As a sophomore, he led the team in scoring with 16.3 points per game and in rebounding with 7.6 per game, as Miami went 24–6 and won the Mid-American Conference championship, the MAC tournament championship, and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament.

In his junior season, he set personal bests and again led the team with 24.9 and 10.7 rebounds per game and also led in steals with 2.6 per game. He was named MAC Player of the Year as the team went 20–11, finished second in the MAC and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament.

In his senior season, on March 8, 1985, he set both a Miami and a MAC tournament single-game scoring record of 45 points in one game (as well as snaring 18 rebounds). His scoring average of 24.9 per game is second all-time at Miami behind Fred Foster's 26.8 in 1967–68. He again led the team in rebounding with 11.7 per game as well as assists (4.3) and steals (3.3). He also became the first MAC player in history to record a triple-double with 38 points, 19 rebounds and 12 assists against Ball State University.

Again he was named MAC Player of the Year and also named second-team All-American by both the Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI). Miami went 24–7 to win the MAC title and earn a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Harper is Miami's all-time leading scorer with 2,377 points, and also leads in rebounding with 1,119. He was the first men's player in MAC history to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds in a career. He also holds Miami's all-time records for career scoring average (19.8), games started (118), minutes played (4,164), field goals (969), and blocked shots (173). He had a career field goal percentage of .534.

At his final home game in 1986, he became the first basketball player in Miami history to have his number (34) retired.

Professional career

Cleveland Cavaliers (1986–1989)

Harper was selected in the first round (eighth overall) in the 1986 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Harper made his NBA debut on November 1, 1986. He broke 30 points in just his sixth game, with 34 against the Sacramento Kings on November 11, 1986. He scored a season-high 40 points against the Boston Celtics on February 4, 1987, and had one of his finest all-around games on February 10, 1987, against the New York Knicks with 25 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and five steals.

Harper started all 82 games and averaged 22.9 points per game (ppg) and 4.8 rebounds per game (rpg) along with 4.8 assists and 2.5 steals. He placed second in Rookie of the Year balloting behind Chuck Person of the Indiana Pacers.

In his second season, he was limited to 57 games due to a severely sprained ankle suffered in the second game of the season that kept him out until late December. For the season, he averaged 15.4 ppg. The Cavaliers made the playoffs, but were eliminated by the Chicago Bulls, three games to two.

The following season, 1988–89, he again started all 82 games, averaging 18.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals as the Cavaliers advanced to the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the first round, again by the Chicago Bulls three games to two, this time with a one-point loss in game 5 on the Cavaliers’ home court — the now-defunct Richfield Coliseum. This game was ended by The Shot.

Los Angeles Clippers (1989–1994)

In his fourth season, 1989–90, after seven games with the Cavaliers, on November 16, 1989, Harper was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, alongside two first-round draft picks and a second-round draft pick, for Reggie Williams and Danny Ferry, the latter having refused to play for the Clippers.

Harper started all 28 games he played for the Clippers, but his season was cut short by a serious right knee injury suffered in a game in January 1990. Diagnosed with both a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn cartilage, he underwent surgery.

For the 1989–90 season overall, he averaged 22.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.2 assists, 2.3 steals and a career-high 1.2 blocks per game. His season was highlighted by back-to-back 39-point games against Denver and Indiana in December 1989, both of which the Clippers won.

In his next season, 1990–91, he was limited to 39 games, but still posted averages of 19.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg along with 5.4 assists and 1.7 steals

By 1991–92, his sixth NBA season, he bounced back to start all 82 games, averaging 18.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 5.1 assists and 1.9 steals. as the Clippers advanced to the playoffs, where they were eliminated three games to two by the Utah Jazz.

In 1992–93, Harper was named a co-captain (alongside Danny Manning and Mark Jackson). In 80 games (77 as a starter), Harper averaged 18.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.5 assists and 2.2 steals. The Clippers again made the playoffs, but yet again Harper's team was eliminated in the first round, this time three games to two by the Houston Rockets.

In 1993–94, his fourth full season with the Clippers and eighth in the NBA, he played and started in 75 games, averaging 20.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.6 assists and 1.9 steals. On March 11, 1994, he tallied a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists along with six steals in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. Two nights later, he came within one assist of duplicating the feat, with 39 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists plus another six steals in a win over the Golden State Warriors.

Chicago Bulls (1994–1999)

On September 15, 1994, Harper signed a free-agent deal with the Chicago Bulls, who were reloading following the first retirement of Michael Jordan. Harper found his niche with the Bulls upon Jordan's return, eventually becoming a fan favorite by reinventing himself as a big perimeter defender, ball handler, and mid-range scorer.

In his first season in Chicago, 1994–95, Harper started 53 of the 77 games he played, although his minutes dipped to 19.9 per game and he averaged a then-career low of 6.9 ppg. For the first time in Harper's career, his team advanced past the first round of the playoffs, as the Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets three games to one before losing to the Orlando Magic four games to two in the conference semifinals.

In 1995–96, Harper's 10th NBA season, he played in and started 80 games, with his playing time increasing to 23.6 minutes per game and his scoring average to 7.4 ppg. It was a record-setting season for the Bulls as the team, coached by Phil Jackson and led by Jordan and Scottie Pippen and with Harper playing a key role, had a then NBA all-time best record of 72–10. They then defeated the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic in the first three rounds of the playoffs en route to winning their fourth NBA championship four games to two over the Seattle SuperSonics.

In 1996–97, he played in 76 games, starting 74 and averaging 6.3 ppg. The Bulls had another dominant regular season with a record of 69–13 as they defeated the Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat in the first three rounds of the playoffs en route to winning their fifth NBA championship, this time four games to two over the Utah Jazz.

In 1997–98, Harper's 12th NBA season, he started all 82 games for the Bulls, increasing his minutes per game to 27.9 and his scoring average to 9.3 ppg. The Bulls had a regular-season record of 62–20 as they defeated the New Jersey Nets, Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers in the first three rounds of the playoffs en route to winning their sixth NBA championship, again four games to two over the Utah Jazz.

Harper played his final season with the Bulls during the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season. With the Bulls roster depleted due to the second retirement of Michael Jordan, as well as the losses of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, the Bulls floundered to a 13–37 record. Harper played 35 games, starting all of them. He finished second on the team with 11.2 ppg.

During his five seasons with the Bulls, he averaged about 25 minutes per game, averaging between 6.3 and 11.2 ppg during those seasons.

Los Angeles Lakers (1999–2001)

After being released by the Bulls prior to the 1999–2000 season, on October 13, 1999, he signed a two-year contract as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers and his former Bulls coach, Phil Jackson.

During the 1999–2000 season, Harper started 78 of 80 games playing much the same role as he did for the Bulls, averaging 7.0 ppg and finishing second on the Lakers in steals behind Kobe Bryant. Led by Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, the Lakers won 67 games and secured the league's best record as they defeated the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers in the first three rounds of the playoffs. In the final minute of game 3 in Portland, Harper caught a pass from Bryant in the left corner and sank a 19-foot jump shot with 29.9 seconds remaining to give the Lakers a 93–91 lead. On the final play of the game, Harper helped Bryant block a shot by Arvydas Sabonis to seal the Lakers' victory. The Lakers would win the series in seven games to set up a match-up with the Indiana Pacers in the Finals. In game 2, Bryant sprained his ankle and left the game. Harper and Glen Rice picked up the slack with 21 points apiece to help the Lakers take a 2–0 lead. The Lakers would go on to win the NBA championship over the Pacers four games to two. Harper started all 23 games in the postseason and averaged 8.6 points per game, earning his fourth NBA championship ring.

The 2000–2001 season was Harper's 15th and final NBA season. Injuries limited him to 47 games (starting 46). By season's end, Derek Fisher had taken over the starting point guard slot, and Harper would only play in six games during the playoffs. The Lakers reached the Finals, where they faced the Philadelphia 76ers. Following the Sixers' win in game 1, the Lakers won games 2 and 3. In game 4, Harper made crucial shots on the way to eight points, his best point total for the series. The Lakers won games 4 and game 5 to win their second straight NBA championship. It earned Harper his fifth NBA championship ring in a six-year span.

Career statistics

Ron Harper

<table><thead><tr><th> GP</th><th>Games played</th><th> GS </th><th>Games started</th><th> MPG </th><th>Minutes per game</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td> FG% </td><td>Field goal percentage</td><td> 3P% </td><td>3-point field goal percentage</td><td> FT% </td><td>Free throw percentage</td></tr><tr><td> RPG </td><td>Rebounds per game</td><td> APG </td><td>Assists per game</td><td> SPG </td><td>Steals per game</td></tr><tr><td> BPG </td><td>Blocks per game</td><td> PPG </td><td>Points per game</td><td> Bold </td><td>Career high</td></tr><tr><td> † </td><td>Won an NBA championship</td><td> </td><td>Led the league</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Regular season

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Team</th><th>GP</th><th>GS</th><th>MPG</th><th>FG%</th><th>3P%</th><th>FT%</th><th>RPG</th><th>APG</th><th>SPG</th><th>BPG</th><th>PPG</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1986–87</td><td>Cleveland</td><td>82</td><td>82</td><td>37.4</td><td>.455</td><td>.213</td><td>.684</td><td>4.8</td><td>4.8</td><td>2.5</td><td>1.0</td><td>22.9</td></tr><tr><td>1987–88</td><td>Cleveland</td><td>52</td><td>52</td><td>32.1</td><td>.464</td><td>.150</td><td>.705</td><td>3.9</td><td>4.9</td><td>2.1</td><td>.9</td><td>15.4</td></tr><tr><td>1988–89</td><td>Cleveland</td><td>82</td><td>82</td><td>34.8</td><td>.511</td><td>.250</td><td>.751</td><td>5.0</td><td>5.3</td><td>2.3</td><td>.9</td><td>18.6</td></tr><tr><td>1989–90</td><td>Cleveland</td><td>7</td><td>7</td><td>37.4</td><td>.442</td><td>.200</td><td>.756</td><td>6.9</td><td>7.0</td><td>2.0</td><td>1.3</td><td>22.0</td></tr><tr><td>1989–90</td><td>L.A. Clippers</td><td>28</td><td>28</td><td>39.5</td><td>.481</td><td>.283</td><td>.795</td><td>5.6</td><td>4.8</td><td>2.4</td><td>1.1</td><td>23.0</td></tr><tr><td>1990–91</td><td>L.A. Clippers</td><td>39</td><td>34</td><td>35.5</td><td>.391</td><td>.324</td><td>.668</td><td>4.8</td><td>5.4</td><td>1.7</td><td>.9</td><td>19.6</td></tr><tr><td>1991–92</td><td>L.A. Clippers</td><td>82</td><td>82</td><td>38.3</td><td>.440</td><td>.303</td><td>.736</td><td>5.5</td><td>5.1</td><td>1.9</td><td>.9</td><td>18.2</td></tr><tr><td>1992–93</td><td>L.A. Clippers</td><td>80</td><td>77</td><td>37.1</td><td>.451</td><td>.280</td><td>.769</td><td>5.3</td><td>4.5</td><td>2.2</td><td>.9</td><td>18.0</td></tr><tr><td>1993–94</td><td>L.A. Clippers</td><td>75</td><td>75</td><td>38.1</td><td>.426</td><td>.301</td><td>.715</td><td>6.1</td><td>4.6</td><td>1.9</td><td>.7</td><td>20.1</td></tr><tr><td>1994–95</td><td>Chicago</td><td>77</td><td>53</td><td>19.9</td><td>.426</td><td>.282</td><td>.618</td><td>2.3</td><td>2.0</td><td>1.3</td><td>.4</td><td>6.9</td></tr><tr><td>1995–96†</td><td>Chicago</td><td>80</td><td>80</td><td>23.6</td><td>.467</td><td>.269</td><td>.705</td><td>2.7</td><td>2.6</td><td>1.3</td><td>.4</td><td>7.4</td></tr><tr><td>1996–97†</td><td>Chicago</td><td>76</td><td>74</td><td>22.9</td><td>.436</td><td>.362</td><td>.707</td><td>2.5</td><td>2.5</td><td>1.1</td><td>.5</td><td>6.3</td></tr><tr><td>1997–98†</td><td>Chicago</td><td>82</td><td>82</td><td>27.9</td><td>.441</td><td>.190</td><td>.750</td><td>3.5</td><td>2.9</td><td>1.3</td><td>.6</td><td>9.3</td></tr><tr><td>1998–99</td><td>Chicago</td><td>35</td><td>35</td><td>31.6</td><td>.377</td><td>.318</td><td>.703</td><td>5.1</td><td>3.3</td><td>1.7</td><td>1.0</td><td>11.2</td></tr><tr><td>1999–00†</td><td>L.A. Lakers</td><td>80</td><td>78</td><td>25.5</td><td>.399</td><td>.311</td><td>.680</td><td>4.2</td><td>3.4</td><td>1.1</td><td>.5</td><td>7.0</td></tr><tr><td>2000–01†</td><td>L.A. Lakers</td><td>47</td><td>46</td><td>24.2</td><td>.469</td><td>.264</td><td>.708</td><td>3.5</td><td>2.4</td><td>.5</td><td>.5</td><td>6.5</td></tr><tr><td>Career</td><td>1009</td><td>967</td><td>30.9</td><td>.446</td><td>.289</td><td>.720</td><td>4.3</td><td>3.9</td><td>1.7</td><td>.7</td><td>13.8</td></tr></tbody></table>

Playoffs

College

Coaching career

Ron Harper

In 2005, Harper signed as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons. His two-year deal was not renewed in 2007.

Media appearances

Ron Harper

On November 1, 1997, Ron Harper appeared in the Nickelodeon sitcom Kenan & Kel, in the episode titled "Foul Bull". In the episode, Harper, as a Chicago Bull, slips on some orange soda and gets injured, and all of Chicago is angry with Kenan and Kel, who try to apologize.

Personal life

Ron Harper

Harper has battled stuttering for most of his life, and donates his time to the National Stuttering Association to encourage others with this problem to not let it hinder them.

Harper is the father of NBA players Ron Harper Jr. and Dylan Harper, both with his ex-wife Maria. Dylan was drafted 2nd overall in the 2025 NBA draft. He is the godfather to R. J. Hunter.