2 Young players Raptors should develop, 2 to give up on
By Mike Luciano
Don’t Develop: Ron Harper Jr.
While Harper had some very impressive moments in Summer League play, the fact that he didn’t look like the dominant force that many second-year players appeared to be might weigh heavily on Toronto’s mindset. Signing him to a second two-way contract is likely what will happen, but time is running out for him to get better.
Harper’s shooting, which was solid at Rutgers, evaporated in Las Vegas. While he played guard quite often in college, Harper often looked too eager to let it fly in Las Vegas. Another player with multiple years of college experience, Harper needs to start showing improvements ASAP.
Will the Toronto Raptors keep Ron Harper Jr?
The Raptors are a patient team, but patience has a limit. Justin Champagnie was viewed in much the same way as Harper when he was signed as an undrafted free agent, and the Raptors decided to stop trying to make him a shooter around halfway into his second season.
Harper and brand-new Celtic Dalano Banton might be the NBA equivalent of a “Quad-A” player. They have both shown they are level above the common rabble in the G League, but neither of them have flashed the consistency needed to stick long-term in the NBA.