Ronald Harper was born on 20 January 1964, in Dayton, Ohio USA, and is a retired professional basketball player, best known to have played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. All of his efforts have helped put his net worth to where it is today.
How rich is Ron Harper? As of mid-2016, sources inform us of a net worth that is at $12 million, mostly earned through a successful career in professional basketball. He signed high valued contracts and became an essential player for various teams. All of these ensured the position of his wealth.
Ron Harper Net Worth $12 million
Ron attended Belmont High School and later transferred to Kiser High School. During his senior year he impressively averaged 20.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, five steals, six blocks, and five assists per game. After matriculating, he attended Miami University and played with the team for four seasons. He led Miami in rebounding during his freshman year and then improved during his sophomore year. They won the Mid-American-Conference championship, and earned a place in the NCAA tournament.
He continued to improve during his junior year and was named the MAC Player of the Year, helping the Redhawks to a record of 20-11. During his senior year he became the first MAC player to record a triple-double with 38 points, 12 assists, and 19 rebounds; aside from numerous personal honors, the Redhawks would go 24-7. He is the first player in the MAC to reach more than 2000 points and 1000 rebounds, and becoming the all-time leading scorer of Miami University. He’s also the first in school history to have his jersey retired.
Harper joined the 1986 NBA Draft and was selected as the eighth overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Early in his career, he showed progress and scored 30 points during his sixth game, and then scored a season high 40 points against the Boston Celtics. He started all 82 games, and came second in Rookie of the Year balloting. During his second season, he was limited due to a sprained ankle. and only played in 57 games. He returned to top form in 1988 and helped the Cavaliers get to the playoffs before being eliminated by the Chicago Bulls. He played seven games with the Cavaliers in 1989 but was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Regardless, his net worth was well established.
He became a starter for the Clippers, but his season was cut short by a right knee injury, for which he had to undergo surgery, but returned during the following season with limited games. Despite this, he still posted high numbers and the team reached the first round of the playoffs. He bounced back in 1991 and started all games; again the team reached the playoffs the following year, but was eliminated again. In 1993, he tallied a triple double and then became a free agent after the season.
Harper was picked up by the Chicago Bulls after Michael Jordan’s first retirement, though even after Jordan returned, Harper would find himself as one of the team’s key role players. In 1994, he finally broke through the first round of the playoffs, but the Bulls were then eliminated by the Orlando Magic. In the following season, he started 80 games and would help the Bulls set a record of 72-10 during the season on their way to an NBA championship against the Seattle Supersonics. The following two years resulted in more championships thanks to the leadership of Jordan and players such as Harper. However, after Jordan retired, the team had a lot of difficulty, and Harper was released in 1999.
He subsequently signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, and played the same role but this time with Kobe Bryant. Despite an injured Bryant during the Finals of their playoff run, they still managed to get an NBA championship over the Pacers. During his final season with the Lakers he was only playing limited minutes, but the Lakers were able to get to the Finals and win for Harper’s fifth championship ring.
After retirement from playing, Harper had a two-year coaching contract with the Detroit Pistons, but his current position is unknown.
For his personal life, it is known that Harper is married to Maria, apparently without children. He has battled stuttering for most of his life, and now spends his time helping others with the same problem.
Leave a Comment