Boston Celtics two-way guard Ron Harper Jr. received the NBA G League Player of the Week award for last week’s slate of games, the league announced on Tuesday. Harper Jr. appeared in two games, both were wins, for the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate, and averaged 36 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per outing.
The highlight for Harper Jr. was his 46-point performance to lift the Celtics to a win over the Delaware Blue Coats, the Philadelphia 76ers’ affiliate.
So far this season, the 25-year-old has suited up six times for Maine. Harper Jr. has impressed in his G League minutes, averaging 29.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 48.8% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc.
The former Rutgers standout is now in his second stint with the Celtics, after signing to their training camp roster ahead of last season. After the preseason, they waived him and brought him back on a G League contract.
Then, the Detroit Pistons came calling and signed Harper Jr. to a two-way deal, allowing him to swing between the Motor City Cruise and the NBA Pistons last season. Swing is a bit of an exaggeration. He only made one appearance for Detroit and spent the majority of his time in the G League.
Ron Harper Jr. made his way back to Boston and earned a two-way spot
His production was good enough for the Celtics to take another chance on him this fall. This time, he earned a two-way spot in Boston, and will hopefully see some opportunity in the NBA at some point throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
So far, he’s checked in three times, playing just over five minutes per appearance.
Though he hasn’t seen much playing time with the Celtics yet, Harper Jr. showed some promise during his preseason stints. His six-foot-five frame enables him to compete on defense, which he did well across the exhibition slate. In particular, he did a great job of moving his feet to stay in front of his matchup.
Offensively, Harper Jr., looked like an improved jumpshooter. His mechanics looked smoother and he seemed to be more comfortable firing up open looks from the perimeter. In his most significant NBA appearance this season, he scored six points, sinking both of his long-range attempts against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Harper Jr.’s impressive start to the G League campaign has helped the Maine Celtics to a 4-3 record, which has them slotted third in the East division.