The Boston Celtics don’t have much youth on their roster. Jordan Walsh is the best young prospect in Boston right now, and while he’s shown some serious flashes of improvement, he likely won’t be much more than a high-level role player. The same can be said for the likes of Baylor Scheierman and Drew Peterson.
However, the Celtics’ G League squad does have some interesting players to keep an eye on. Anton Watson is on a two-way contract, but he’s spent most of his time in Maine this year. Big man Hason Ward played high school ball in Springfield, Massachusetts, and looks like a project version of a Robert Williams clone.
But now, the Celtics have one less prospect on the Maine roster.
Pistons signed Ron Harper Jr. from Maine Celtics
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Detroit Pistons are signing Ron Harper Jr. to a two-way contract. Harper spent the entire G League showcase in Maine after playing Summer League with the Celtics.
The Detroit Pistons have agreed to a two-way deal with Ron Harper Jr, league sources told @hoopshype. Harper Jr. impressed recently at the G League Showcase. pic.twitter.com/tPOkZg5cWI
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 6, 2025
Harper recently had a breakout performance on December 28. In a loss to the Grand Rapids Gold, he finished the game with 32 points, two rebounds, and one assist on 11-of-16 shooting from the field and 6-of-9 shooting from behind the three-point line.
Up to this point in his career, Harper’s biggest problem has been the lack of a consistent three-point shot. He has a very fluid offensive game, but it’s still fairly raw in a lot of places. On top of that, the 23-year-old has solid defensive instincts and is a very underrated athlete.
Now, he’ll join Detroit as part of a series of moves that they made to shake-up their room of two-way contracts.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Pistons are also signing Tolu Smith to a two-way contract. In order to make room for him and Harper, they will be parting ways with Alondes Williams and Cole Swider.
Losing Harper will be a tough blow for head coach Tyler Lashbrook and the Maine Celtics. He has been a crucial part of their rotation, taking on large roles on both ends of the court.
Moving forward, guys like Scheierman and Peterson will undoubtedly have larger roles, and perhaps Jay Scrubb and DJ Rodman, who is a new addition, could see an increase in minutes as well.
Regardless, the Pistons stole Harper right out from under the Celtics, and now, he’ll get the chance to develop in their system instead.