Ron Harper shared why Michael Jordan was impossible to stop: 'You hope you can contain him to having 35'

Harper, who witnessed these moments firsthand as a teammate, emphasized that "His Airness" success wasn't just about physical ability but mental dominance.

"You're not going to stop him," Harper said. "I tell people all the time, listen, you hope you can contain him to having 35; you're not gonna stop him because he had the ultimate brain, he had the ultimate green light, and he's a competitor, and he competes with anybody the hardest, and one thing I can respect about him,"

Known as a high-scoring guard during his early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers, Harper joined the Bulls in 1994 and adapted to a more defensive and team-oriented role under head coach Phil Jackson's triangle offense. His timing couldn't have been better, as Jordan returned to the Bulls in 1995 after a brief retirement.

Ron became crucial to the Bulls' dynasty, providing veteran leadership and lockdown defense as the team's starting guard. Playing alongside "His Airness," Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, the point guard helped the Bulls dominate the league during their historic second three-peat (1996–1998).

A respectable legacy

As a six-time champion and Finals MVP, five-time MVP, 10-time scoring champion, and even a Defensive Player of the Year, the North Carolina product built a legacy above everyone else in the NBA.

He was in a league of his own, and the respect he earned stems from his accomplishments and the way he carried himself on and off the court. Despite being the center of attention, MJ's work ethic never wavered. His preparation and ability to rise to any occasion set him apart.

His final shot in a Bulls uniform—a game-winner in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals against the Jazz—encapsulates his unstoppable nature. Down by one with less than 20 seconds remaining, No. 23 stole the ball from Karl Malone, dribbled down the court, and sank a jumper over Bryon Russell to seal Chicago's sixth championship.