Ron

Harper Jr.

Harper Jr. has played in a total of 10 NBA games in his career, and he’ll likely spend most of his time in the G-League. He has averaged 10.6 points and 2.3 triples per game for the Maine Celtics so far this season.

Harper Jr. is set to undergo a season-ending shoulder surgery next week, so the Raptors will make a move to open up a spot for a new two-way player. He will likely remain around the organization and could be back on a two-way next year when he’s healthy.

After spending last season with the Raptors as a two-way contract player, Harper is back for another run. Starting 27 of the 29 games he appeared in for Raptors 905, Harper averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 2.2 3-pointers in 32.7 minutes. This transaction is unlikely to significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Harper Jr. spent most of his rookie season with the Raptors 905 G-League squad, and there’s a decent chance that he suits up for them again this upcoming season. He didn’t do much in his nine NBA games that he played in, but if he keeps playing the way that he has, it won’t be long before he is playing consistently in the league.

The son of former NBA champion Ron Harper, Junior had an excellent career at Rutgers. This past season, he averaged 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.1 3-pointers per game. Harper Jr. shot better than 39% from three and nearly 80% from the foul line, so the perimeter shooting should translate. While he isn’t as athletic as his father was, Harper Jr. is no liability in that regard. Going to Toronto, a franchise that has done a very good job of utilizing its G League affiliate, should help Harper in the long run.