As the NBA hits pause for All-Star Weekend, the Boston Celtics find themselves in a strong position both on the court and in the front office. While Jaylen Brown will take center stage in Sunday’s All-Star Game, another Celtic will be making waves a little earlier in the weekend. Ron Harper Jr., currently with the Maine Celtics on a two-way deal, is set to suit up in Friday night’s Rising Stars Game - and he’s earned it.
Harper Jr. has been one of the G League’s most consistent performers this season, and his numbers back it up. Through 18 games with Maine, he’s averaging 25.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
What really jumps off the page is his shooting - he’s knocking down 38.7% of his threes on nearly 11 attempts per night. That’s not just volume, that’s efficiency at a high clip, and it’s coming in a role that mirrors what he’d be asked to do at the next level: space the floor, defend, and stay ready.
His recent call-ups to Boston have only strengthened his case. Harper Jr. has given the Celtics quality minutes off the bench, and even earned a start against the Rockets - a game where he more than held his own against Kevin Durant and helped Boston to an upset win. That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed, especially on a team with championship aspirations looking to fine-tune the back end of its roster.
And here’s where things get interesting. After clearing three roster spots at the trade deadline - moving on from Josh Minott, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Chris Boucher - the Celtics are now under the luxury tax and have room to maneuver.
With Amari Williams already being signed to a full deal, there’s still one open spot left. Converting Harper Jr.’s two-way contract into a full-time NBA deal seems like the logical next step, especially once the team can do so without triggering the tax again.
It’s a move that checks all the boxes. Harper Jr. is young, productive, and fits the mold of a modern three-and-D wing.
Locking him up on a minimum contract for multiple years would give Boston a low-risk, high-upside asset who’s already shown he can contribute when called upon. Even if he tops out as a rotation-level player off the bench, that’s tremendous value for a team looking to maintain flexibility while staying competitive.
And let’s not forget the storyline that adds a little extra shine to Friday night - Harper Jr. will be sharing the Rising Stars stage with his younger brother, Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft and a budding star with the Spurs. It’s a full-circle moment for the Harper family, with Ron Sr., a five-time NBA champion, surely watching with pride.
Harper Jr. will be going up against some of the league’s brightest young talent, including Kon Knueppel, Reed Sheppard, and VJ Edgecombe. A strong showing on that national stage could be the final nudge the Celtics need to make his full-time promotion official.
The Celtics already boast one of the deepest rosters in the league, but adding a player like Harper Jr. to the mix - someone who’s earned his shot and fits the team’s identity - would be a smart, forward-thinking move. And if his G League production and NBA flashes are any indication, this might just be the beginning for RHJ in Boston green.