Ron Harper Jr. parlayed his sturdy coaching camp right into a spot on the Celtics’ prolonged roster.
The 6-foot-6 ahead, who attended camp with Boston on a tryout deal, signed a two-way contract with the staff on Thursday, his agent instructed ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Celtics had one two-way slot open after waiving rookie RJ Luis Jr. on Wednesday.
The son of former NBA participant Ron Harper and older brother of No. 2 general draft choose Dylan Harper, Harper Jr. has appeared in 11 NBA video games since getting into the league as an undrafted rookie out of Rutgers in 2022. Most of his skilled minutes thus far have come within the G League, together with a stint with the Maine Celtics early final season.
Harper additionally performed on the Celtics’ Summer time League staff final offseason, so Boston was acquainted with his sport when it invited him again to coaching camp this fall. He rapidly emerged as the highest choice among the many Celtics’ non-roster gamers.
The 25-year-old logged 32 minutes throughout three preseason appearances — greater than fellow tryouts Kendall Brown, Jalen Bridges and Wendell Moore Jr., and two-way signees Amari Williams, Max Shulga and Luis — together with occasional run with Boston’s regulars. He shot the ball effectively (4-for-10; 3-for-7 from 3-point vary) and tallied three assists, two offensive rebounds, one block and one steal.
Luis, whom Boston acquired within the offseason commerce that despatched Georges Niang to Utah, performed simply eight minutes earlier than his launch.
Two-way gamers usually spend most of their time within the G League, however they are often lively for as much as 50 NBA video games in a season. Final season’s Celtics two-ways (JD Davison, Drew Peterson and Miles Norris) noticed motion in a complete of 44 video games for the large membership, with G League MVP Davison finally signing to the 15-man roster earlier than the playoffs.
The Celtics at the moment have 14 rostered gamers. They’re anticipated to go away the ultimate spot vacant getting into the common season.
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