Ron Harper Jr. Seizes the Moment in First NBA Start for Celtics
On a night when the Celtics were down five key players-including stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown-Ron Harper Jr. finally got his shot. And he didn’t just show up. He showed out.
Making his first career NBA start in Boston’s 114-93 win over the Houston Rockets, Harper delivered a performance that was equal parts poised and productive. The 25-year-old forward logged 33 minutes, finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. But the box score doesn’t fully capture what this night meant-for Harper, for the Celtics, and maybe even for what’s next.
Let’s rewind for a second. Harper’s NBA journey hasn’t exactly been a straight line.
He’d only appeared in two NBA games over the past two seasons, and just one of those came with Boston last year. Still, when it came time to make a decision this past summer, he chose to return to the Celtics on a two-way deal.
Why? Because he believed in the fit.
“I feel like I know the system; the coverages are like the back of my hand,” Harper said after the win. “That was a big part of the process and the decision to be coming back in the summer.
I just knew the team, I knew the coaches, I knew the system. I felt like I could excel.”
That familiarity was on full display in Houston. Harper didn’t look like a guy making his first start-he looked like someone who knew exactly where to be and what to do. Whether it was crashing the boards, making the extra pass, or simply staying connected defensively, he played with the kind of confidence that comes from reps, even if most of them came in practice or the G League.
Speaking of the G League, Harper has been one of its top performers this season. That success has translated into more NBA minutes, especially for a Celtics team that’s dealt with its fair share of injuries. He’s now appeared in eight games this season-just one shy of his career high-and with the roster shifting post-trade deadline, there may be more opportunity ahead.
Boston moved on from Josh Minott and Xavier Tillman Sr. at the deadline, which could open the door for Harper to carve out a more consistent role. Whether Wednesday night was a sign of things to come or just a well-earned moment in the spotlight, one thing’s clear: Harper made the most of his opportunity.
And in a season where depth could make all the difference, don’t be surprised if Harper’s name comes up again. The Celtics may have found something valuable in a player who’s been quietly putting in the work, waiting for his number to be called.
He got that call in Houston-and he answered.