Jayson Tatum publicly acknowledged Harper’s impact by sharing a supportive message on social media. Tatum reposted a photo of Harper with the caption “My dawg 🤞🏽,” underscoring the strong bond and mutual respect within the Celtics’ locker room. Baylor Scheierman echoed the enthusiasm, reposting the same sentiment, highlighting Harper’s growing rapport with his teammates.
Harper’s road to this point has been unconventional. He went undrafted out of Rutgers in 2022 and spent several seasons proving himself, moving between two-way contracts with the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons before joining Boston’s development pipeline. Last season, he began on a training camp deal with no guarantees. His trajectory improved as he outperformed each contract, earning a two-way deal, then a standard NBA contract in April, and eventually starting in Game 7 of the playoffs against Philadelphia.
Statistically, Harper’s numbers from last season—shooting just under 42 percent from the floor across 29 games with averages of 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in limited minutes—do not fully capture his value. The impact he brings to the court is felt in defensive effort, contesting shots, creating off-ball advantages, and knocking down open threes when opportunities arise. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla trusted him enough to start him in a playoff game, and Harper’s career-high 27-point performance against Orlando in April demonstrated what he can contribute when given a larger role.
At 26 years old and on a team-friendly contract, Harper carries notable upside for Boston. His persistence and dedication have earned him a secure place on the roster, and his presence enriches a Celtics team that sees him as more than a fringe piece. As the organization continues to shape its roster and evaluate extensions for other players, Harper’s new deal represents a meaningful, tangible reward for his hard work and a strategic asset for the team moving forward.
