The NBA has always been a small world. It’s a place where rivalries like the Lakers and Celtics define the culture, but the families involved often cross those battle lines in ways that make you do a double-take. Recently, the news that the Celtics sign son of Lakers champion started making the rounds, and honestly, if you’re a fan of 90s basketball, the name is going to hit you with a massive wave of nostalgia.
We’re talking about Ron Harper Jr.
His dad, Ron Harper Sr., wasn't just a role player. He was a cornerstone of two different dynasties. Most people remember him as the big guard who helped Michael Jordan and the Bulls secure their second three-peat. But for Lakers fans, he was the veteran presence who helped bridge the gap during the early Kobe and Shaq years, picking up two more rings in Los Angeles. Now, his son is wearing the green and white in Boston. It’s kinda surreal when you think about it.
Who is Ron Harper Jr. and Why Boston?
Ron Harper Jr. isn't exactly a newcomer to the league, but he’s definitely still looking for his definitive "breakout" moment. He’s 25 now. After a really impressive four-year run at Rutgers—where he basically became a school legend for hitting clutch shots—he went undrafted in 2022.
He’s spent time with the Toronto Raptors and had a brief cup of coffee with the Detroit Pistons. But the Celtics have been keeping an eye on him for a while. He played for their Summer League team in 2024 and clearly left an impression on Brad Stevens.
The deal is a two-way contract. Basically, that means he’ll be splitting his time between the main roster in Boston and the Maine Celtics in the G League. In a year where the Celtics are dealing with some depth issues—especially with Jayson Tatum having missed time and the roster feeling a bit thinner than their 2024 championship run—having a 6-foot-6 wing with a high basketball IQ is just smart business.
Breaking Down the Fit
You’ve got to look at what Harper Jr. actually brings to the floor. He’s not his dad. While Ron Sr. was known for his elite perimeter defense and playmaking later in his career, Jr. is more of a modern "3-and-D" prospect.
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- Size: At 245 pounds, he’s built like a tank. He can actually hold his own against bigger forwards.
- Shooting: This is the swing skill. He shot nearly 40% from deep in his final year at Rutgers. If he can do that in the NBA, he stays in the league for a decade.
- IQ: You can tell he grew up in NBA locker rooms. He doesn't get rattled.
During the preseason, he averaged about 4.3 points in very limited minutes. That doesn't sound like much, but he shot the ball well and didn't make mistakes. For a team like Boston that already has Jaylen Brown and Derrick White doing the heavy lifting, they don't need a hero. They need someone who can stand in the corner, hit an open shot, and not blow a defensive assignment.
The Lakers Connection and the Irony of the Rivalry
It’s always funny when the Celtics sign son of Lakers champion because the history is just so deep. Ron Harper Sr. won titles in 2000 and 2001 with the Lakers. Those were the years where the Lakers were the undisputed kings of the world.
If you ask a die-hard Celtics fan from the early 2000s about Ron Harper, they’d probably tell you he was part of the "enemy." But fast forward to 2026, and the NBA is much more of a family business. We see it with LeBron and Bronny, we see it with the Sabonis family, and now we’re seeing the Harper dynasty spread out across the map.
Interestingly, Ron Jr. isn't even the only one in the family making waves right now. His younger brother, Dylan Harper, was just the number two overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. The Harpers are basically taking over the league at this point.
Is This Just a PR Move?
Honestly, no. NBA teams don't waste roster spots on "legacy" signings if the kid can't play. The Celtics are in a championship window. Every single spot on that 15-man roster (and the two-way spots) is scrutinized.
The reality is that Boston needs wing depth. Behind Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser, things get a little experimental. They’ve got guys like Baylor Scheierman and Josh Minott, but Harper Jr. offers a level of physical strength that those guys might still be developing. He’s a "pro’s pro."
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There's a lot of talk about how the Celtics are navigating the "second apron" of the luxury tax. Because they are so expensive at the top of the roster—Tatum and Brown are making astronomical money—they have to hit on these minimum and two-way contracts. If Ron Harper Jr. can provide 10 solid minutes every third night, he is worth his weight in gold to Brad Stevens.
What Most People Get Wrong About Two-Way Contracts
A lot of fans see a two-way deal and think, "Oh, he’s just a G-Leaguer." That’s not how it works anymore.
In the modern NBA, two-way players are essential. They can be active for up to 50 games with the big club. With the way injuries and "load management" work these days, two-way players often end up playing meaningful fourth-quarter minutes in January and February.
Harper Jr. has already shown he can dominate the G League. He’s averaged over 17 points per game at that level. The challenge is translating that "alpha" G League role into a "specialist" NBA role. It’s a harder transition than people think. You go from having the ball in your hands all the time to touching it maybe four times a game. You have to stay warm, stay focused, and make those four touches count.
The Real Competition in Boston
He’s not just walking into a rotation spot. He’s competing with:
- Max Shulga: Another two-way guy who has a reputation as a knockdown shooter.
- Amari Williams: A big man who offers a completely different look.
- Jordan Walsh: The young defensive specialist the Celtics are high on.
It’s a dogfight. But Harper Jr. has something those other guys don't: the literal DNA of a champion. He understands the grind.
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What to Watch For Next
If you're following this story, don't just look at the box scores. Watch how he moves without the ball when he gets his chances in Boston. Watch if Joe Mazzulla trusts him in defensive rotations.
The Celtics are currently looking to solidify their bench before the trade deadline. There are even rumors about them looking for another big like Daniel Gafford, but if their internal options—like Harper—step up, they might not have to trade away assets.
Basically, Ron Harper Jr. is playing for his career right now. This isn't just about being the son of a legend; it's about proving he belongs in the most storied franchise in basketball history.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're tracking the Celtics roster or looking at this from a fantasy basketball perspective, here is what you need to keep in mind:
- Monitor the Maine Celtics Box Scores: If Harper Jr. is putting up 20+ points and 5+ assists in Portland, he’s going to get a call-up the second a wing player gets a bruised shooting hand.
- Don't Expect High Volume: Even if he plays for Boston, his role is to be a "connector." Look for his +/- and his defensive win shares rather than his scoring average.
- Watch the Luxury Tax: The Celtics are restricted in how they can sign players. This makes Harper Jr. more valuable because they already have his rights and he’s cheap.
The fact that the Celtics sign son of Lakers champion isn't just a fun trivia fact. It’s a calculated move by a front office that is obsessed with finding value in the margins. Whether he turns into a rotation staple or remains a deep-bench insurance policy, Ron Harper Jr. is now a part of the greatest rivalry in sports.
To stay ahead of these roster moves, keep an eye on the official NBA transaction wire and the Maine Celtics' schedule, as that's where he'll be putting in the most work to earn a permanent spot in the rotation.