Ron Harper
Ron Harper is one of the most underrated players in NBA history. Plenty of fans know him as a solid role player for the dynastic Chicago Bulls of the 1990s. Do they know that he was once a star on the Clippers?
May 1, 1993: Ron Harper drives and dunks at the end of the first quarter in Game 2 of the Clippers’ first round series with the Rockets.
— NBA Cobwebs (@NBACobwebs) May 1, 2022
Harper had 29 PTS/6 REB/4 BLK/3 STL as Los Angeles beat Houston, 95-93, and evened the series at 1-1. pic.twitter.com/pLBP3aXWWx
It's true. In 1993-94, Harper averaged 20.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game for the Clippers. He was supposed to be a foundational piece for this organization. As was typically the case in those days, it didn't go the team's way.
At 30, Harper had spent the bulk of his career on losing teams. He was tired of it. So, that season would be his last with the Clippers. Harper signed with the Bulls during the following summer, and the rest is history.
Harper should be commended. He chose team success over individual glory. His points per game would drop like an anvil with a boulder attached to it following his departure from the Clippers. Harper reinvented his game in a way that would compliment his new star teammate:
He just turned his back on the Clippers in the process.