Derek Harper

Biography

Derek Harper is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 16 seasons. Harper was born on October 13, 1961, in Elberton, Georgia, and attended the University of Illinois, where he played college basketball for the Fighting Illini.

Harper was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 11th overall pick in the 1983 NBA draft. He spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Mavericks, where he established himself as one of the best point guards in the league. Harper was known for his defensive prowess, as he was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice during his tenure with the Mavericks.

In 1994, Harper was traded to the New York Knicks, where he played for four seasons. He helped lead the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1994, where they lost to the Houston Rockets in seven games. Harper was a key contributor to the Knicks' success during his time in New York, as he provided veteran leadership and solid defense.

After his stint with the Knicks, Harper played for the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in 1999. He finished his career with averages of 13.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

Harper was a one-time NBA All-Star, earning the honor in 1990. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1987 and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1988 and 1990. Harper ranks among the top 50 players in NBA history in both steals and assists.

In addition to his playing career, Harper has also worked as a coach and broadcaster. He served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks, and he currently works as a television analyst for the Dallas Mavericks.

Overall, Derek Harper had a successful NBA career, earning a reputation as one of the best defensive point guards of his era. He was a key contributor to several playoff teams and was recognized for his defensive prowess with multiple All-Defensive Team selections. Harper's legacy as a player and coach continues to be felt in the NBA today.

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1972 vs 1995 New York Knicks • 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation

26 minutes 1972–1995

In today's 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation, we have an interesting matchup that transcends time: the 1972...

1972 vs 1995 New York Knicks • 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation / In today's 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation, we have an interesting matchup that transcends time: the 1972 New York Knicks vs the 1995 New York Knicks. The 1972 team, led by Walt 'Clyde' Frazier, was at the peak of their game, having won the NBA championship in 1970 and reached the NBA Finals in 1972. Frazier, known for his stylish play and defensive prowess, was a key figure in those successes. On the other side, we have the 1995 Knicks, a gritty, defensive-minded team led by Patrick Ewing. Ewing, a dominant center, was a force inside, and his battles with the likes of Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller are legendary. This simulation, set in the heart of September, will be a clash of styles and eras, with each team looking to assert their dominance in this unique matchup.