Career Timeline of Ron Harper: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Ron Harper built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ron Harper is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1986 to 2001. He played for four teams and won five NBA championships, demonstrating a successful career. Harper's career highlights his contributions to multiple NBA teams and his achievement of becoming a five-time NBA champion.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1982: Start of Miami University career

In 1982, Ron Harper began playing basketball at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

1985: Miami University Basketball

In 1985, Ron Harper continues playing basketball at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

November 1, 1986: NBA debut

On November 1, 1986, Ron Harper made his NBA debut.

1986: NBA career begins

In 1986, Ron Harper began his career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1988: Cavaliers playoff appearance

In the 1988–89 season, Ron Harper and the Cavaliers advanced to the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Chicago Bulls.

November 16, 1989: Trade to Los Angeles Clippers

On November 16, 1989, Ron Harper was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

1991: Return to starting role with the Clippers

In the 1991–92 season, Ron Harper bounced back to start all 82 games for the Clippers, who advanced to the playoffs.

1992: Named co-captain

In the 1992–93 season, Ron Harper was named a co-captain for the Los Angeles Clippers.

1993: Fourth season with the Clippers

In 1993–94 season, Ron Harper was playing his fourth full season with the Clippers.

September 15, 1994: Signed with the Chicago Bulls

On September 15, 1994, Ron Harper signed a free-agent deal with the Chicago Bulls.

1994: First season in Chicago

In the 1994–95 season, Ron Harper experienced his first season in Chicago, advancing past the first round of the playoffs.

1995: NBA Championship with the Bulls

In the 1995–96 season, Ron Harper and the Chicago Bulls won the NBA championship, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics four games to two.

1996: Second NBA Championship with the Bulls

In the 1996–97 season, Ron Harper and the Chicago Bulls won their fifth NBA championship, defeating the Utah Jazz four games to two.

1997: Third NBA Championship with the Bulls

In the 1997–98 season, Ron Harper and the Chicago Bulls won their sixth NBA championship, again defeating the Utah Jazz four games to two.

1998: Final season with the Bulls

In the 1998–99 season, Ron Harper played his final season with the Chicago Bulls, a season shortened by a lockout.

October 13, 1999: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On October 13, 1999, Ron Harper signed a two-year contract as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers.

1999: Lakers debut

In the 1999-2000 season, Ron Harper started 78 of 80 games for the Los Angeles Lakers.

2000: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 2000, Ron Harper won his fourth NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, defeating the Indiana Pacers four games to two.

2000: Final NBA season

In the 2000–2001 season, Ron Harper played his 15th and final NBA season.

2000: Contract with the Los Angeles Lakers

Ron Harper had a two-year contract as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000.

2001: Fifth NBA Championship

In 2001, Ron Harper won his fifth NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers.

2005: Assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons

In 2005, Ron Harper signed as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons.

2007: End of coaching position

In 2007, Ron Harper's two-year deal as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons was not renewed.

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