3 fringe Raptors players who deserve to return in 2023-24
By Mike Luciano
2. Ron Harper Jr.
Harper’s experience during his rookie season wasn’t atypical for most two-way players. He only suited up in seven games during garbage time, so it’s hard to make much of a judgment on his skills. His G League performance was very encouraging.
The former Rutgers star and son of the legendary Clippers, Cavs, and Bulls guard averaged 17.1 points. 5.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 29 regular season games while shooting 50% from the field and 36% from 3-point range. His unique build and skillset worked to great effect in the G League.
Ron Harper Jr. could become a solid player for the Toronto Raptors.
In all likelihood, Harper will be signed to the standard Raptors non-guaranteed deal with a chance to compete for a spot in the preseason. While the Raptors shouldn’t just hand him a spot, it’s worth seeing what he can bring to the table in a more expansive role. After all, the Raptors are the development organization, aren’t they?
Harper likely lacks the raw explosion needed to become a star in this league, but the same franchise and (largely) organizational structure that helped Fred VanVleet become a standout point guard should have no worries about trying the same with Harper. Maybe the bench gunner they needed was hiding in plain sight all along.