Chicago Bulls Legend's Son Signs Contract with Boston Celtics

Harper Signs with Boston Again

With the Maine Celtics, Harper averaged 22.8 points, four rebounds and 2.5 assists in four games. After that, he latched on to the Detroit Pistons in a two-way capacity. With the Motor City Cruise, Harper shot 39 percent from 3-point range while solidifying himself as a willing scorer.

That, he says, he learned from Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

"They were playing at Madison Square Garden when he was on the Lakers," Harper said of meeting Bryant while on a trip to New York with his father. "He's like: 'I'm (going to) give you some advice.'"

Bryant's advice was aptly cocky.

"Shoot the basketball every time you touch it. We'll teach you ... to pass later."

Harper's father retired after two seasons with the Lakers, but remained in contact with Bryant. Years later, he still remembers Bryant's guidance. His second contract with Boston is another lifeline to prove it.

With his Exhibit 10 deal, Harper will have an opportunity to secure the Celtics' final roster spot for next season. If he does, it would mark his first standard NBA contract since he went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft.

If Harper isn't selected, Boston can waive him and designate him once again as an affiliate player and retain his G League rights. If Harper spends at least 60 days with Maine, he'd be eligible for a bonus included as a clause of every Exhibit 10 deal.

Granted, Harper has a chance to continue working his way up the ranks of the league even without a standard deal next season. More time in the G League would prove beneficial.

And his father always preaches staying the course, after all.