Chicago Bulls legend Ron Harper sent message to Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla after signing his son Ron Harper Jr. to Exhibit 10 contract stating that…
Chicago Bulls legend Ron Harper made headlines this week when he delivered a heartfelt message to Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla following the signing of his son, Ron Harper Jr., to an Exhibit 10 contract with the franchise. The elder Harper, who was a critical piece of the Bulls’ dynasty alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the 1990s, expressed his gratitude, pride, and encouragement while also sending a clear message of confidence in his son’s ability to thrive at the highest level of basketball.
The Celtics’ decision to bring Harper Jr. aboard on an Exhibit 10 deal represents more than just a roster move—it is an opportunity for the young forward to showcase his skillset in training camp and possibly earn a spot on the roster or affiliate team. Ron Harper Sr., known for his toughness, defensive versatility, and leadership during his 15-year NBA career, acknowledged the challenges his son will face but emphasized his belief that Harper Jr. is built to embrace them.
“Joe, thank you for believing in my son,” Harper Sr. reportedly stated in his message. “You’re not just getting a player; you’re getting someone who has grown up around the game, who knows what it means to put in the work, and who understands the responsibility of wearing an NBA jersey. I know he’ll make you proud, just as he has made me proud.”
The message resonated with many around the league, as Harper Sr. highlighted both the legacy of basketball families and the hard work that goes into carving out an NBA career. Harper Jr., who starred at Rutgers before entering the professional ranks, has been working tirelessly to find a permanent home in the league. Though he went undrafted in 2022, he has shown flashes of promise with his size, shooting ability, and basketball IQ—attributes that could make him a valuable role player in Boston’s system.
Harper Sr. also praised Mazzulla for creating a culture that values development and team chemistry. He encouraged the Celtics coach to challenge Harper Jr. the way he himself was challenged when playing under Phil Jackson during Chicago’s championship years. “Push him, coach him hard, and trust that he will respond,” Harper Sr. said. “He’s been waiting for this moment, and I know he’ll give you everything he has.”
The signing also carries emotional weight for Harper Sr., who has seen firsthand the highs and lows of professional basketball. To watch his son follow in his footsteps and take on the NBA challenge brings a sense of fulfillment to a career that already included five championship rings. Yet, the elder Harper has been clear that his son’s journey will not be defined by his last name but rather by his own work ethic and determination.
For Boston, adding Harper Jr. is a low-risk, high-upside move that aligns with their emphasis on depth and development. For the Harper family, it is another chapter in a basketball story that spans generations. And for Joe Mazzulla, it is a reminder that the trust placed in young players often comes with the support and belief of legends who paved the way before them.
In sending his message, Ron Harper Sr. not only showed the pride of a father but also the respect of a champion who knows what it takes to succeed in Boston’s storied basketball culture.
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