The Boston Celtics have opted for a strategic move by adding former Rutgers standout Ron Harper Jr. to their Summer League roster.
Harper, known for his strong performance during his senior year at Rutgers, is set to compete for one of the Celtics’ final two two-way contract spots. This decision comes after the Celtics re-signed Drew Peterson to fill the first vacancy.
Harper, 24, showcased impressive stats in his last college season, averaging 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and one steal per game. He also boasted a shooting accuracy of 44.2% from the field and 39.8% from beyond the arc. Despite his strong performance, Harper went undrafted in 2022 but managed to secure a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors. During his rookie season, he averaged 2.2 points over nine games before a shoulder injury cut his season short, leading to his release in December.
Joining the Celtics’ Summer League roster won’t be an easy feat for Harper, especially with the team’s recent additions from the NBA draft.
Boston drafted Baylor Scheierman and Anton Watson, both of whom have impressed the Celtics’ president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens. Harper will need to demonstrate his abilities against strong competition to secure a spot on the team.
Boston’s Summer League campaign kicks off against the Miami Heat, providing Harper and other hopefuls a platform to prove their worth. This addition to the roster indicates the Celtics’ continued focus on strengthening their squad and exploring potential talent ahead of the new season.
