The emergence of Boston Celtics guard Ron Harper Jr. was one of the most underrated storylines of this past season. Harper Jr., who returned to the club on a two-way contract last fall after a stint with the Detroit Pistons last year, took advantage of late-season opportunities in Boston.
Though he has work to do before becoming an everyday rotation player, it sounds like many within the Celtics organization believe in Harper Jr., according to The Athletic’s Jay King.
“People inside the organization really seem to believe in Harper — and I would have said that even before [Joe] Mazzulla started the wing in Game 7,” King wrote when prompted on Harper Jr. in his recent mailbag. “The way people with the Celtics discuss Harper reminds me of the way they spoke about Sam Hauser before Hauser emerged as a valuable contributor.”
Ron Harper Jr. is on a similar path to that of Sam Hauser
Hauser’s path to playing time is similar to the one Harper Jr. is currently on. The sharpshooting wing joined the Celtics on a two-way contract in August of 2021. He hardly saw the floor in his first season with the team, appearing in just 26 games and playing an average of 6.1 minutes in each.
His role increased in year two, and has continued growing ever since. Hauser started in 49 of his 78 appearances for the Cs this past season where he averaged career highs in both points and rebounds per game.
“Everyone seemed to see Hauser’s rise coming,” King continued. “Even before he proved it under the bright lights, the organization realized he could play. Harper draws similar reviews. He might only need a bigger chance, but it’s not clear if or when that will arrive.”
In his first full year in Boston, Harper Jr. played three more games than Hauser did in his rookie year. Though he’s had three prior years of experience, two with the Toronto Raptors and then last year in Detroit, the former Rutgers standout is just a year older than Hauser was in his rookie season.
There’s still plenty of time for development, as we’ve all seen.
Ron Harper Jr. took his opportunities in stride
Harper Jr. capped off the 2025-26 campaign with a career night in Boston’s 56th win. Just days after signing a two-year contract to remain in Boston, he poured in 27 points to help the undermanned Cs beat the Orlando Magic.
“This year has just been really, really rewarding just being able to come back to Boston, earn a roster spot, and be a part of a great organization. I feel like it's paid dividends for me and my career. You know, I'm just really grateful to be in this situation.”
For what it’s worth, Harper Jr.’s emergence happened quickly. He made 22 of his 29 appearances within the last 31-game stretch of the season. It felt like he did something -- big or small -- to show that he’s heading in the right direction.
Whether it was his near double-double in his first career start, his chasedown block in Phoenix against the Suns, or the team’s decision to have him guard Victor Wembanyama in crunch time, Harper Jr. 's behind the scenes work paid off for him when his number was called.
“Trust doesn't just come from what you do in the games,” head coach Mazzulla said of Harper Jr.’s emergence. “You know, it comes from what you do in workouts. It comes from what you do in the film session. It comes from what you in Maine. It comes what you do on an optional day. If you're working one on one with your coach, like trust happens in so many ways.”
His continued development next season is going to be something to watch, for sure.
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