History of Ron Harper in Timeline

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

January 20, 1964: Ron Harper's birth

On January 20, 1964, Ronald Harper Sr. was born. He later became a professional basketball player.

1967: Fred Foster's Scoring Average

In 1967–68, Fred Foster held the all-time Miami scoring average with 26.8 points.

1982: Start of Miami University career

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

1982: Graduation from Kiser High School

In 1982, Ron Harper graduated from Kiser High School in Dayton, Ohio.

March 8, 1985: Miami and MAC tournament record

On March 8, 1985, Ron Harper set a Miami and MAC tournament single-game scoring record of 45 points in one game and snared 18 rebounds.

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.

November 11, 1986: 34 points against Sacramento Kings

On November 11, 1986, Ron Harper scored over 30 points for the first time, reaching 34 points against the Sacramento Kings.

1986: Jersey retirement at Miami University

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

1986: NBA career begins

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

February 4, 1987: Season-high 40 points against Boston Celtics

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

February 10, 1987: All-around game against New York Knicks

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

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.

December 1989: Back-to-back 39-point games

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

January 1990: Right knee injury

In January 1990, Ron Harper suffered a serious right knee injury, diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn cartilage, requiring surgery.

1990: Limited to 39 games

In the 1990–91 season, Ron Harper was limited to 39 games due to injury.

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.

March 11, 1994: Triple-double against 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.