Harper Jr makes winning plays just like his dad did 30 some years ago. He makes some plays, grabs some boards, and has some touch from midrange. His main concern is his speed (or lack thereof.) He projects as a plus defender, so all he needs to do now is get more athletic, work on conditioning, become a better ball handler, and get more consistent from deep. He projects as a do it all swingman, who can be consistent jolt of energy. Oh, and he's clutch too.

NBA Comparison: Lu Dort

Projected Draft Range: 45-Undrafted

Height 6'8

Weight 245 lbs

Wingspan 7'0

DOB 4/12/00 (Draft Age: 22)

Pre-Draft Team Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Offense

• A kid who has improved steadily throughout his four years in college.

• High usage player who doesn't turn the ball over.

• Great finisher who loves to attack from above the free throw line.

• Great footwork going to and around the rim.

• Can handle, play in PNP or spot up. A complementary piece.

• Really strong corner shooter and a highly improved shooter overall.

• Signs of some self creation upside.

• NBA pedigree, developing shot, great length, solid basketball IQ make him a very projectable at the next level.

Defense

• Nice upside defensively in his plus wingspan.

• Smart defender who wont rack up steals or blocks, but is a contributor in team defense.

• Plus rebounding upside from the wing due in part to his wingspan.

• Should be able to defend multiple positions, likely 2-4.

Swing Factors

Role

• LOW:

• HIGH:

Player analysis

Ron Harper was a four year player at Rutgers that improved every year and ended up as a star for the team. He brought their school to relevance again by dominating the college game using his physical prowess and finesse. He has a similar build to his father who was a star player in the league, he stands at a burly 6’6 with a 7’1 wingspan. His measurables make him an effective defender on the perimeter and interior, his length disrupts ball handlers and when mixed with off ball IQ Harper is a great option on that end who can translate as an above average defender in the league. On offense Ron relies on slashing and post work which although outdated is still a reliable way of getting baskets, his jumpshot is intriguing because he had moments where he was able to hit big shots but overall wasn't too consistent. Harper had multiple game winners in his final season where he would bring up the ball and create for himself on the perimeter which really makes you think as to why he cant bring more elements to this into his game more often. Maybe if he is plugged into a system once he enters the league that uses him as an open shooter we could explore his shot as a tool for team play. If Ron can use his experience as a main option and translate it to a smaller role similar to what he had earlier in college he could be an effective complementary player. Harper has always been known as a hard worker and team player that can be a culture guy for an NBA team, even if he has his issues now I believe he will work on them and adapt his game to be successful.

Projection

Draft range: [ 43 - undrafted ]

Comp: [ Otto Porter Jr. ]

This guy blows me away He can guard every player on the court. He can shoot he can dunk he can push the ball up the court He can shoot 3 He plays hard and hustle on every play. This guy loves contacts and will wear people out. This guy has tons of upside. I think he can be even a better three point shooter. This guy can get stronger and elevate higher. I love this guy and would love to see the Blazer's take him in round 2.

Lillard, Simmons, Daniels, Harper and Nurk. I would love to see the defense line up with shooting.

He has a great Motor. Great basketball IQ. He is a slightly above-average shooter. Needs to work on defense. Getting into better shape could help with his defense. Is willing to do the dirty work.

Draft Range: 45-undrafted

Strengths:

• Super big bulky body wing

• Elite at moving off ball to relocate for catch and shoot 3s

• Very fundamental defender who walls up really well

• Can post up and take advantage of mismatches really well

• Has a massive 7'1 wingspan

• A really good perimeter defender who moves his feet really well

• A really smart player who makes great reads and finds his team mates in space

• Shows potential as a point forward

• Can playmake in transition

• Active hands

• An improved ball handler

• One of the best catch and shoot guys in the entire draft

• Plays winning basketball

Flaws:

• He's already pretty old (2000)

• Isn't the greatest finisher and left hand isn't amazing

• Handle still needs a bit of work

• Will only ever become a nice role player