Harper Jr. Returns on Two-Way Deal as Celtics Test New Rotation
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Ron Harper Jr. is back in Boston on a two-way contract, completing a round-trip that started at last year’s Celtics training camp. The 24-year-old guard was waived before the 2024-25 season, spent the first half of the year with the team’s G League affiliate in Maine, and accepted a two-way offer from the Detroit Pistons in January. When he hit free agency this summer, Boston quickly reopened the door.
“As soon as my stint was over with Detroit, my agent said Boston wanted me back,” Harper said. “Last training camp I learned a lot here, and that helped me get the two-way in Detroit. When the chance came to return, I jumped on it.”
Harper signed a camp deal in September and impressed during preseason play. The Celtics told him to focus on ball-handling, defense and three-point shooting, skills he hopes will secure a long-term spot as he splits time between the NBA roster and Maine.
Simons Adjusts to Mazzulla’s Demands
Free-agent addition Anfernee Simons arrived with a reputation as a proven scorer in Portland, but he acknowledged that head coach Joe Mazzulla is pushing him to defend better and embrace a less ball-dominant role. “I knew I was going to get pushed in ways I’ve never been pushed,” Simons said, noting that Boston’s veteran core moves the ball more than teams he has led in the past.
Queta Steps In as Starting Center
Financially driven departures in the frontcourt have elevated Neemias Queta to the starting lineup. During the preseason, the 7-footer focused on rim protection, rebounding and avoiding fouls—exactly what the coaching staff requested. “This is what you worked your whole life for, a chance to start for the Celtics,” Mazzulla told him. “Now you have to deliver every night.”
Deep Rotation Possible
Boston may open the season with a 10- or 11-man rotation, according to Brian Robb of MassLive. Robb listed Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman, Chris Boucher and Josh Minott among the big men who have shown they can contribute, giving Mazzulla multiple lineup combinations to explore.
Source: HoopsRumors
