5x NBA champ Ron Harper leaves no doubt about his thoughts on media fame
NBA players' media involvement continues to rise, with several hosting their own shows and podcasts. However, former defensive-minded guard Ron Harper, a key member of the Chicago Bulls' late 1990s three-peat squad, isn't interested in following suit.
In a Wednesday X/Twitter post, Harper highlighted his disinterest in seeking media fame. According to the five-time NBA champion, he prefers to avoid the spotlight as much as possible.
"Let me say this again, please. I don't do podcasts or any shows," Harper said. "I'm not looking for attention or credit. I'm really good at loving life in my small world. But thanks."
Harper's approach contrasts with many NBA retirees who seemingly jump at opportunities to share their thoughts on the state of the league. Several ex-players are making sizable post-retirement livings from regularly sharing bold hot takes.
However, it looks like Harper's media appearances will be few and far between for the foreseeable future.
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Ron Harper is not a fan of modern-day NBA amid reluctance to accept media invites
During a rare media appearance on "Stacey King's Gimme The Hot Sauce Podcast" late last month, Ron Harper briefly weighed in on the modern-day NBA.
According to the ex-Bull, analytics have ruined the game, as teams put too much emphasis on shooting 3-pointers to maximize their offensive output.
"No, I don't enjoy today's game," Harper said. "I really tell people this, and they tell us that us old guys hate on what today's ball game is. ... If you take 100 shots and you shoot 60 3s, and you make 20, that's a very low percentage. If you shoot 60 2s, then you're making 40 to 45. That's a higher percentage.
"So, they got these analytical guys that ain't ever touched a basketball or played, and you wanna tell us how to run the game that we do?" he continued.
(from 32:55 mark onwards)
While teams shooting 60 3s a night isn't the norm yet, to Harper's point, seven squads are attempting 40-plus triples per game, up from one last season. That includes the defending champion Boston Celtics firing away a league-high 50.4 treys a night.
So, perhaps Harper's lack of enjoyment of the NBA's product is contributing to his decision to decline podcast and show invites.
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