The Toronto Raptors did not wait long until after the 2023 NBA Draft to sign Ron Harper Jr, as the former Rutgers star inked a two-way contract with the club immediately after the conclusion of the festivities. After four seasons at Rutgers, the son of the former 90s Bulls mainstay found an NBA home.
Harper didn’t light things up in Summer League, which prompted some speculation that he could be tossed aside in favor of someone with a better short-term ceiling. Instead, Masai Ujiri continued to roll the dice on Harper, retaining him for a second professional season.
The Raptors signed Harper to a two-way contract for the second season in a row, pairing him with former Kansas State standout Markquis Nowell. The Raptors have one more open two-way spot to fill after the unusually-built wing was brought back.
Forward Ron Harper Jr., has agreed on a new two-way contract to the return to the Toronto Raptors, Drew Gross of @rocnationsports tells ESPN. Harper Jr., averaged 17 points and five rebounds in his rookie season with the Raptors’ G League affiliate.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 20, 2023
Toronto Raptors sign Ron Harper Jr to two-way contract.
Harper shot just 35% from the field in Vegas, but he looked much more confident and in control on the defensive end of the floor. His 3-point shot was off, but his collegiate career and brief NBA stints seem to hint at the fact that he could be an excellent player in that area if he gets hot.
Harper hit 33% of his 3-pointers in very sparse NBA action last season and connected on just under 40% of his triples during his final season at Rutgers. A four-year starter in Piscataway, Harper averaged more than 17 points per game with Raptors 905 last season.
Harper’s style of play is worth taking a look at if you are the Raptors. A 6-5 player that played guard at Rutgers and has experience handling the ball, it’s not unreasonable to wonder what Harper could do when being given to a coaching staff that specializes in offensive development.
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1679274844343418881
The offensive potential for new head coach Darko Rajakovic and the coaching staff is palpable, and the Raptors were so willing to see what the future held for him that they signed him to a deal that will guarantee tons of Raptors 905 time next season.