Backup Boston Celtics wing Ron Harper Jr. knows what precarity in the NBA feels like. So, it was a natural move for him to share what helped him get a foothold in the league with some of his teammates facing a similar struggle. Speaking after a Celtics training camp practice on Wednesday (Oct. 1) morning, the New Jersey native related how he has been counseling those peers on how to establish themselves at this level.
"A couple of them had asked me about my path taking the (Exhibit 10 training camp contract) to where I am now," said Harper viaCLNS Media, "and I gave them my bits and pieces of advice I had for them just to get through with time because it's tough. You're spending a lot of time with the guys that you're competing with, so it's like
you operate in a gray area a lot of the time."
"So just navigating that and being able to go out there and compete and show your best self," he continued, "I've definitely had a conversation with a few of them."
As to what he has been seeing from his more established teammates, Harper had plenty to say, starting with big man Mitchell Robinson. "Like Neemias Queta said (…), we're going enjoy having him on our side and not on the other team from now on. But him, (Paul George), Mike Conley and the rookies, they all bring something new to the team."
"The rookies are real fun, lively, real bouncy, (and) athletic. And then Mike and PG are really smart with the way they play the game. They know the ins and outs, the intricacies of the game, so picking their brain and being able to learn off them has been a big thing for me."
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Ron Harper Jr. on how his path to Boston Celtics helping his new teammates
