Ron

Harper

Brown did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Rockets, which was Boston’s second game in as many nights. His return will push Ron Harper Jr. to the bench, whether the fourth-year wing will have minimal value at best.

With Jaylen Brown out due to injury and Anfernee Simons traded, the Celtics called on Harper to move into the starting lineup. Making the first start of his four-year NBA career, Harper was effective as a scorer and rebounder while also taking on the assignment of guarding Kevin Durant for lengthy stretches. Wednesday’s game doesn’t affect his standing in redraft leagues, but Harper may have earned himself another opportunity the next time the Celtics are shorthanded.

The Celtics are without Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser for Wednesday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. However, Payton Pritchard will remain in the bench role he held in Tuesday’s win over the Mavericks. Harper and Garza are the new starters, with the former making his first start in four NBA seasons. Of the two, Garza is the safer streaming option.

Harper Jr. landed a training camp deal with Boston in August, and his strong preseason play has earned him a spot on the team’s final 15-man roster. With Jayson Tatum out for most if not all of the year and Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis playing for new teams, Harper Jr. has a realistic chance to earn meaningful rotation minutes at some point this season.

Harper was waived by the Pistons last month after signing a two-way deal with them in January. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but this is likely a training camp invite for Harper. He’ll have a chance to compete for a roster spot in Boston, though if he does, he will likely be on a two-way contract.

After spending his first two NBA seasons with the Raptors, Harper signed a two-way deal with the Pistons before the start of the 2024-25 campaign. He appeared in just one game for Detroit, spending most of his time with the franchise’s G League affiliate. Due to Detroit’s perimeter depth, Harper’s departure will not impact fantasy basketball.

Fantasy managers in active leagues (and DFS tournaments) likely hoped to get more out of Holland on Sunday. The rookie did not provide much value as a starter, playing 23 minutes before giving way to players such as Lindy Waters III (18/5/1/1/1 with six three-pointers in 35 minutes) and even 17 minutes to the other Ron — Ron Harper Jr.. Holland will be in the Pistons’ rotation when the playoffs begin next weekend, but his playing time and value will be limited against the Knicks.

Harper Jr. has played in a total of 10 NBA games in his career, and he’ll likely spend most of his time in the G-League. He has averaged 10.6 points and 2.3 triples per game for the Maine Celtics so far this season.

Harper Jr. is set to undergo a season-ending shoulder surgery next week, so the Raptors will make a move to open up a spot for a new two-way player. He will likely remain around the organization and could be back on a two-way next year when he’s healthy.

After spending last season with the Raptors as a two-way contract player, Harper is back for another run. Starting 27 of the 29 games he appeared in for Raptors 905, Harper averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 2.2 3-pointers in 32.7 minutes. This transaction is unlikely to significantly impact fantasy basketball.