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BOSTON — Just like the 2025-26 Boston Celtics, Ron Harper Jr. was underestimated. He went undrafted in 2022 and only played in 11 games over the course of his first three seasons in the NBA.
Harper Jr. finally got an actual opportunity to shine in Beantown, and even though he's not on a standard contract yet, it feels like it's only a matter of time. The 25-year-old is averaging career-highs almost across the board in his first year with the Celtics. He's stepped up in games against lesser opponents and in showdowns with the best of the best, as he recorded a career-high 22 points in 33 minutes of play against the now 48-18 San Antonio Spurs.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla appreciates that Harper Jr. brings the utmost effort versus everybody, whether it's in a primetime contest or a G League match at the tiny Portland Expo Building with the Maine Celtics.
“The way he plays in a game against San Antonio, Oklahoma City, is the way he plays in a 'stay-ready game,' the way he plays in G League games, the way he plays in practice," Mazzulla praised during a pregame press conference on Saturday evening. "So he cares about winning, cares about competing. He executes the details very well in all settings."
In less than an hour, Harper Jr. will have the chance to prove Mazzulla right. The Celtics host the 16-49 Washington Wizards, who are far from the talented teams they played in their last two games: the aforementioned Spurs and reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
While the thought of Harper Jr. receiving real playing time seemed unlikely at the start of the season, that couldn't be further from the truth as the 43-23 Celtics approach the end of the regular season.
"His ability to think the game and compete is top-notch," Mazzulla said. "He's getting better and better."
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Joe Mazzulla loves how Ron Harper Jr. competes, whether it's vs. the Thunder or in the G League
Continue reading...
Harper Jr. finally got an actual opportunity to shine in Beantown, and even though he's not on a standard contract yet, it feels like it's only a matter of time. The 25-year-old is averaging career-highs almost across the board in his first year with the Celtics. He's stepped up in games against lesser opponents and in showdowns with the best of the best, as he recorded a career-high 22 points in 33 minutes of play against the now 48-18 San Antonio Spurs.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla appreciates that Harper Jr. brings the utmost effort versus everybody, whether it's in a primetime contest or a G League match at the tiny Portland Expo Building with the Maine Celtics.
“The way he plays in a game against San Antonio, Oklahoma City, is the way he plays in a 'stay-ready game,' the way he plays in G League games, the way he plays in practice," Mazzulla praised during a pregame press conference on Saturday evening. "So he cares about winning, cares about competing. He executes the details very well in all settings."
In less than an hour, Harper Jr. will have the chance to prove Mazzulla right. The Celtics host the 16-49 Washington Wizards, who are far from the talented teams they played in their last two games: the aforementioned Spurs and reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
While the thought of Harper Jr. receiving real playing time seemed unlikely at the start of the season, that couldn't be further from the truth as the 43-23 Celtics approach the end of the regular season.
"His ability to think the game and compete is top-notch," Mazzulla said. "He's getting better and better."
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Joe Mazzulla loves how Ron Harper Jr. competes, whether it's vs. the Thunder or in the G League
Continue reading...
