Ron Harper is a retired professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 15 seasons. He was born on January 20, 1964, in Dayton, Ohio, and grew up in Kettering, Ohio. Harper played college basketball at Miami University in Ohio, where he was a standout player and was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year in 1986.
Harper was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the eighth overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league's top young players, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in his first season. Harper was a versatile player who could play both guard positions and was known for his scoring ability, defense, and athleticism.
In 1989, Harper was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he continued to excel. He averaged a career-high 23.9 points per game in the 1990-91 season and was named to the All-NBA Third Team. Harper was also a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection during his time with the Clippers.
In 1994, Harper signed with the Chicago Bulls, where he played a key role in the team's second three-peat of NBA championships from 1996 to 1998. Harper was a starting guard for the Bulls and was known for his defense and ability to guard multiple positions. He won his fifth NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000.
Harper retired from the NBA in 2001 with career averages of 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He was a five-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, and an NBA All-Star in 1990.
After retiring from basketball, Harper became a coach and worked as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks. He also worked as a television analyst for the NBA on TNT.
Overall, Ron Harper was a talented and versatile player who had a successful career in the NBA. He was known for his scoring ability, defense, and athleticism and was a key player on several championship teams. Harper's legacy as a player and coach continues to be celebrated by basketball fans around the world.
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