The Pistons' most underappreciated departure in the offseason was Two-Way player Ron Harper Jr. Harper signed with the Celtics on a Two-Way contract after his stint in Detroit last season. He's now turned into a developmental success, at least in the G League. The Pistons are looking to have their own success with G League development, and Harper could've been a key catalyst for that.
Ron Harper Jr is looking better than ever
Harper has erupted in the G League this season to the tune of 27 points and 4 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three. He looks much more comfortable scoring the ball than he ever did in Detroit, whether it was the Pistons or the Motor City Cruise. The Pistons have been great to start this season, but they did lose significant shooting in the offseason and Harper offered a potential route to address that issue.
In a recent career night, Harper showed off his entire package on the way to 46 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists in a win. His play as a big guard with excellent poise and a skill-based game is almost reminiscent of a less athletic Cade Cunningham. Although Harper is arguably a better shooter than Cade, especially off the catch.
Typically known for his 3-point shooting, Harper has also added more scoring inside the arc this season. In the aforementioned career game, he used his handle and 6'5" frame to attack the rim plenty of times when the opposing defense ran him off the line. He's developing nicely and Boston's track record with two-way players gives him hope of a future rotation spot.
The Celtics have two players on the main roster right now who started as Two-Ways in Neemias Queta and Sam Hauser. Queta has suddenly become an important part of the team as the starting center and Hauser has consistently been one of the league's best shooters for years. The steady development of both players through the G-League to become NBA mainstays is a testament to the Celtics' excellent coaching at every level.
The Pistons have also shown the strength of their coaching in the last two seasons. Not only have they gotten the most out of their main roster, but they've also had some notable two-way success. Daniss Jenkins is the development that stands out most there. Perhaps they could've gotten Harper to another level if they'd been able to retain him for this season.
Although the Pistons shouldn't have any major regrets considering their 19-5 start, Harper's loss could become important in the future. At 25 years old, Harper is not exactly a young prospect by NBA standards but he is just now beginning to show his true potential.