Ron Harper Jr. understands better than most just how hard it is to carve out a role in the NBA, which made watching his younger brother Dylan Harper light up the Finals even more special.
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The Celtics guard has built his career the hard way, grinding through two-way contracts, fighting for minutes off the bench, and making the most of every opportunity.
Dylan’s journey has been very different. But if there was any hint of jealousy, Ron’s reaction put that to rest.
Ron Harper Jr. celebrates Dylan Harper on the Finals stage
Speaking on SportsCenter, Ron opened up about what it meant to see Dylan making a real impact for the Spurs against the Knicks.
“Just being able to watch Dylan live out his dreams and be able to be effective on the biggest stage out there. It was just a really special moment. You know I was in my apartment wearing my Dylan Harper shirt, you know, rooting for him, and you know just going crazy every time he did something.”
Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty ImagesRon averaged 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists for Boston this season, numbers that reflect a career built on persistence rather than hype.
Dylan entered the league with far more fanfare, selected second overall in 2025 after a standout high school and college career. He delivered as a rookie, putting up 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
It has been the playoffs, though, where Dylan has started to live up to the hype. He posted 16 points and eight rebounds in Game 1 of the Finals and earlier had a 24-point, 11-rebound, seven-steal game against Oklahoma City.
Dylan Harper must force Spurs to trust him late
The Spurs need more than flashes.
San Antonio is down 2-0 in the series, and head coach Mitch Johnson has already faced questions over his decision to close Game 1 with De’Aaron Fox over Harper. According to The Athletic, Johnson understood the reasons to back Harper but went with Fox’s experience.
Fox is the steady hand, but Harper has been more dynamic, bringing energy and pace when the Spurs’ offense has needed a spark.
If Dylan wants to help Victor Wembanyama turn this series around, he will need to do enough to force the coaching staff’s hand.
Ron will cheer for his brother, but the Spurs need Dylan to give everyone else a reason to support him, too.
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