Ron Harper Played Huge Role On Michael Jordan-Led Chicago Bulls, Kobe-Shaquille Los Angeles Lakers

Ron Harper said “I can toot my own horn”

The 1996-1998 Chicago Bulls and 2000-2001 Los Angeles Lakers were two of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.

Former player Ron Harper was part of both. He played a key role in their success but feels he doesn’t get enough recognition for it.

In May 2021, a video went viral of the NBA Europe’s Ask Me Anything podcast. During the podcast, Harper said the role players were important on those teams.

“I mean, I can toot my own horn then, nobody really talked about me then,” Harper said. “We always talking about MJ, taking about Scottie [Pippen], talking about [Toni] Kukoc, talking about Steve Kerr, [but] Randy Brown, like a Bill Wennington, like a Dickey Simpkins, a Luc Longley. You know, role guys that played their role to help the team. I think all of us did whatever our part was to be a part of a very good basketball team.”

He signed with the Bulls in 1994 but he was later joined by Michael Jordan. When the Bulls accomplished their first three-peat, Jordan and Scottie Pippen led them. But Harper’s ability to defend the 3-point line, handle the ball and score mid-range shots were critical for the Bulls.

In 1999, Harper signed with the Lakers who already had stars Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. He only averaged six points but had some great moments. During Game 3 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers, Harper made a clutch shot to give the Lakers a 93-91 lead. He then helped Bryant block a shot from Arvydas Sabonis to secure the victory.

This is proof role players are important to a team’s success.

MORE BACK IN THE DAY NBA-RELATED STORIES

Was Latrell Sprewell the original Jimmy Butler? CLICK HERE

Rasheed Wallace explains his welcome-to-the NBA moment. CLICK HERE

When Kevin Johnson asked Hakeem Olajuwon to autograph a poster dunk. CLICK HERE

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.