Ron Harper claps back at LeBron James fan for seemingly mischaracterizing Michael Jordan's impact: "Look at rings clown"
Ron Harper didn't hold back against LeBron James fans for apparently mischaracterizing former teammate Michael Jordan's impact. An X (formerly Twitter) account with the handle @HoopDon23 posted Harper's varying stat lines from his career before and after he became teammates with Jordan, questioning the latter's ability to improve his teammates.
"Look at rings clown," Harper replied on the post.
Harper averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game between 1989 and 1994 with the LA Clippers. However, his numbers dropped in his Chicago Bulls stint between 1994 and 1999. In the years he played with MJ between 1995 and 1998, Harper averaged 7.5 ppg, 2.5 apg and 2.8 rpg.
The dip in production came with the role he had to execute on the Bulls, with Jordan and Scottie Pippen leading the team's charge. Harper was integral to the team's success, but as a role player, who was a defensive-minded wing and a plug-and-play offensive option.
He had never made it past the first round before joining the Bulls. So, his Chicago stint nullified his need for high production across the board from a box score perspective.
Ron Harper attests low production with Michael Jordan's Bulls to playing with 'winning team'
It's common for good players to see their numbers drop when they play on a better team alongside superstars who are a tier or two above them from a skill, talent and production perspective. Ron Harper experienced that with the Chicago Bulls. During his first six years in the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers, he made the playoffs four times, failing to qualify for the second round on all occasions.
That changed in his first season with the Bulls in 1994-95, when Jordan returned from an 18-month hiatus before the playoffs on March 19, 1995. Harper and the Bulls made it past the first round but lost in four games to the Orlando Magic in the conference semis.
However, the next three years needed no reminder for any basketball, especially NBA fans. The Bulls three-peated for the second time in the Michael Jordan era, seeing Ron Harper and many others taste title success for the first time in their careers.
Harper found his niche during those years. He went on to win two more titles with the LA Lakers in 2000 and 2001, taking his tally to five titles during his 15-year playing career.