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. Known for his versatility as a guard, he played for four different teams and won five NBA championships. His career highlights his contributions to multiple successful teams, showcasing his adaptability and value as a team player in the league.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1982: Miami University Career Start

In 1982, Ron Harper started his four seasons at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

March 8, 1985: Miami University Single-Game Scoring Record

On March 8, 1985, during his senior season, Ron Harper set a Miami and MAC tournament single-game scoring record with 45 points (also grabbing 18 rebounds).

1985: Miami University Senior Season

In 1985 Ron Harper played his senior season at Miami University.

November 1, 1986: NBA Debut

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

November 11, 1986: 34 Points vs. Sacramento Kings

On November 11, 1986, Ron Harper broke 30 points in just his sixth game, scoring 34 against the Sacramento Kings.

1986: Number Retired at Miami

In 1986, during his final home game, Ron Harper became the first basketball player in Miami history to have his number (34) retired.

February 4, 1987: Season-High 40 Points vs. Boston Celtics

On February 4, 1987, Ron Harper scored a season-high 40 points against the Boston Celtics.

February 10, 1987: All-Around Game vs. New York Knicks

On February 10, 1987, Ron Harper had an outstanding all-around game against the New York Knicks, recording 25 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and five steals.

1988: Cavaliers Season

In the 1988 season, Ron Harper started all 82 games, averaging 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals. The Cavaliers advanced to the playoffs.

November 16, 1989: Trade to Los Angeles Clippers

On November 16, 1989, after seven games with the Cavaliers, Ron Harper was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, along with draft picks, for Reggie Williams and Danny Ferry.

December 1989: Back-to-Back 39-Point Games

In December 1989, Ron Harper had back-to-back 39-point games against Denver and Indiana, with the Clippers winning both games.

1990: Limited Games in 1990-91 Season

In the 1990-91 season, Ron Harper was limited to 39 games, but still posted averages of 19.6 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game.

1991: All 82 Games Started

By 1991, Ron Harper bounced back to start all 82 games, averaging 18.2 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 5.1 assists and 1.9 steals as the Clippers advanced to the playoffs.

1992: Co-Captain for Clippers

In 1992, Ron Harper was named a co-captain for the Clippers, alongside Danny Manning and Mark Jackson, and played well, but the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

1993: Fourth Full Season with the Clippers

In the 1993-94 season, Ron Harper played his fourth full season with the Clippers, averaging 20.1 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, 4.6 assists per game and 1.9 steals per game.

March 11, 1994: Triple-Double vs. Dallas Mavericks

On March 11, 1994, Ron Harper recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, along with six steals, in a win over the Dallas Mavericks.

September 15, 1994: Signed with Chicago Bulls

On September 15, 1994, Ron Harper signed a free-agent deal with the Chicago Bulls following Michael Jordan's first retirement, becoming a key perimeter defender and mid-range scorer.

1994: First Season with the Chicago Bulls

During his first season with Chicago, in 1994-95, Ron Harper started 53 of the 77 games he played, averaging a then-career low of 6.9 points per game.

1995: NBA Championship with the Bulls

In the 1995-96 season, Ron Harper won his first NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls, who achieved a record of 72-10 during the regular season.

1996: Fifth NBA Championship

In 1996-97, Ron Harper won his fifth NBA championship as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz four games to two.

1997: Sixth NBA Championship with the Bulls

In the 1997-98 NBA season, Ron Harper secured his sixth NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls, as they defeated the Utah Jazz four games to two.

1998: Final Season with the Bulls

During the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, Ron Harper played his final season with the Bulls, finishing second on the team with 11.2 points per game.

October 13, 1999: Signed with Los Angeles Lakers

On October 13, 1999, Ron Harper signed a two-year contract as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers, reuniting with his former Bulls coach, Phil Jackson.

1999: Signed with Lakers

In 1999 Ron Harper signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and his former Bulls coach, Phil Jackson.

2000: NBA Championship with the Lakers

During the 1999-2000 season, Ron Harper won his fourth NBA championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing significantly in the playoffs.

2000: Lakers Career

In the 1999-2000 season, Ron Harper played for the Los Angeles Lakers.

2001: Fifth NBA Championship and Final NBA Season

In 2001, Ron Harper won his fifth NBA championship with the Lakers and played his final NBA season, contributing in limited playoff games due to injuries.