The Boston Celtics have reportedly signed Ron Harper Jr. to a contract. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the news via X.
NBA Insider then followed up to confirm that Harper has signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the franchise. As such, Harper will join the Celtics throughout their training camp and preseason. He can then earn a bonus if he is waived and stays with the Maine Celtics for 60 days. Of course, Harper will likely be hoping to earn Boston’s 15th and final roster spot.
Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, has spent time with the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons since entering the NBA in 2022. However, despite having three years in and around the NBA, he’s only made 11 total appearances, averaging 6.3 minutes per outing.
However, Harper did impress in the G League last season, where he split his time between the Motor City Cruise and Maine Celtics. In 27 total appearances. He averaged 18.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists, shooting 39% from deep on 8.9 attempts per game.
Still, Harper must show he can hang with NBA-level talent on the defensive end. Single-skill shooters rarely stick in the NBA for long. If he wants any shot of cracking Boston’s rotation, or the rotation of another NBA roster, he must prove that he’s more than just a perimeter shooter.
Harper Likely Won’t Get a Two-Way Contract
The Celtics have recently filled their three allotted two-way contracts. Boston traded to acquire two-way wing RJ Luis, and has signed recent draft picks Max Shulga and Amari Williams. Brad Stevens waived Miles Norris to ensure both 2025 second-round picks were added to the roster.
As such, it’s highly unlikely Boston waives one of Shulga, Williams, or Luis. If Harper does land in the G League, it will be via a standard G League deal, with the incentive of a potential bonus courtesy of his Exhibit 10 deal.
It’s worth noting that the lack of a two-way contract means if the Celtics wanted to call him up to the NBA, they would need to sign him to a deal, even if just a 10-day contract.
Celtics Are in a Retooling Phase
As we’ve seen throughout the summer, the Celtics have entered a retooling phase. Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and potentially Al Horford have all left the franchise. Young and unproven talents such as Luka Garza and Josh Minott have been tasked with filling the void. Of course, recent draft picks Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez will also get minutes.
With so many young talents expected to get an opportunity, Harper may feel confident in potentially earning the Celtics’ last roster spot. However, he would need to take his game to a new level during training camp to convince the coaching staff and front office.
In recent years, Stevens has preferred to enter the new season with an open roster spot. In doing so, the Celtics have flexibility in trade negotiations and on the buyout market.
Therefore, Harper may be fighting an uphill battle to secure a spot in the NBA next season, at least as far as the Celtics are concerned. Nevertheless, a training camp deal is a strong step in the right direction for the 25-year-old sharpshooting wing.
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