Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by Mat Diekhake

Here are the details for Ron Harper:

  • Full Name: Ronald Harper
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born January 20, 1964
  • Hometown: Dayton, Ohio, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters)
  • Weight: 185 pounds (84 kg) during his playing career
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 7 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)
  • Number: Wore 4, 9, and 5 during his NBA career
  • Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard
  • High School: Belmont High School in Dayton, Ohio
  • College: Miami University (Ohio) (1982–1986)
  • NBA Draft: 1986 NBA Draft, 8th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Teams Played For:
  • Championship Rings: 5 (1996, 1997, 1998 with the Chicago Bulls; 2000, 2001 with the Los Angeles Lakers) (Chicago Bulls Championships)
  • Kids: Five children, including Ron Harper Jr., who is a professional basketball player
  • Siblings: Information on siblings is not widely documented

Ron Harper was a versatile guard whose NBA playing style evolved significantly over his career. Early on with the Cavaliers and Clippers, he was an explosive scorer and athletic slasher, known for his quick first step, above-the-rim finishing, and solid perimeter defense. However, after knee injuries and joining championship teams like the Chicago Bulls and L.A. Lakers, Harper transitioned into a savvy, defensive-minded role player. He became a key perimeter defender and secondary ball-handler in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense, using his 6’6″ frame, long arms, and high basketball IQ to guard multiple positions and facilitate offensive flow without needing high usage. His adaptability and unselfishness were crucial to his five NBA titles.

Fun Facts

  • Early in his career, he was a high-scoring guard but later became a defensive stalwart on championship teams with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and Shaquille O’Neal’s Los Angeles Lakers.