You know me. Harper averaged a career-low in points in his first season with the Bulls. But the sanctity of that locker room, I would never put anything personal out there. I have to do whats right for the team and as a result Im not going to let you play. "Let's talk about it. The defender guarding Mike for that last play was Craig Ehlo, but according to Ron Harper, it shouldnt have been so. He started in all 82 games as a rookie and averaged 22.9 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. Those are the things that he provided, which were key for the Bulls because Michael and Scottie couldnt do italways. However, the game-winning shot against the Cavaliers catapulted him to an even higher level of superstardom. All rights reserved. In September 1994, Harper signed a multiyear deal with the Bulls, who were entering their second season without Jordan. Any honest portrayal of the end of the Bulls' dynasty has to address Krause's "way of alienating people," as Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf put it in the documentary. 7:00 pm ET, a 1993 Sports Illustrated profile by Rick Telander, Report: Morant accused of punching teenager last summer, Curry could return to Warriors next week, per report, Report: Harden 'serious' about returning to Houston, NBA Star Index: LeBron is finally breaking down, NBA DFS picks, lineups, advice, March 1 strategy, Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds, picks, prediction, bets, Power Rankings: Bucks No. Former Chicago Bulls forward Horace Grant has fired back at claims Michael Jordan made about him during "The Last Dance" documentary series on ESPN. Grant, who helped Jordan and the Bulls win three NBA championships from 1991 to 1993, noted that some of Jordan's closest relationships have deteriorated over the years because of critical comments made about him. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Stockton had a pretty good look at a three, except he had Harper in his face who changed that shot.. By the time he got to the Bulls, he had lost a lot of the quickness that he had with the LA Clippers and the Cavaliers, because of the knee injuries, but he still had to have veteran savvy on how to play help defense, how to play lanes and, maybe once in a while, come from behind and block the shot, Gill said. OK, Im not gonna say nothing. Hes not gonna say nothing back in the press, none of that, try to go back to Scottie. Perhaps The Worm felt a little more connected to Harper because both were drafted in 1986. You probably wouldn't have liked him. The five-time champion was 6-foot-6 and could guard perimeter scorers at a high level. The mere fact that Sam Smith was an investigative reporter. Let me give Scottie a break, let me give Michael a break, go guard Kevin Johnson. SG. The difference is that "The Last Dance," like most retrospectives about that era, presents Jordan's intensity, stubbornness and abrasive leadership style as necessary components of his greatness. From left, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Ron Harper and Toni Kukoc were big parts of Bulls teams that won three straight NBA titles from 1996 to 1998. It was over. The former general manager's contentious relationship with Jordan has been an ongoing subplot of The Last Dance, with the film showing MJ insulting Krause on My point is: Why the hell did he want to bring that up? I think thats where he was most important because he filled in as a utility guy. I understand in terms of practicing, you have a push and shove here and there, but outright punching and things of that nature. Harper was back healthy for his third season and started all 82 games. A number of NBA players have been compared to Michael Jordan over the years (during and especially after his career), but most people probably wouldnt put his former Chicago Bulls teammate, Ron Harper, in that conversation. Harper signed with the Bulls as a free agent in September of 1994. Later that role changed, even more, when Jordon decided to return to the NBA in 1995. So the coach tells me I am going to put Ehlo on MJ, and I am like yeah okay, whatever, f**k this bulls**t., Ron Harper talking about The Shot by MJ in The Last Dance. And that is just the first episode. In the background, a devastated Ehlo fell to the floor. He told teammates embarrassing stories about Krause. We're still great friends. They beat the Knicks 4-2 but fell in six games against eventual champions Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals. All rights reserved. He was known to guard the opponents best player and score well at the same time, including Jordan. "He felt that he could dominate me, but that was sadly mistaken," Grant said. Always trying to outwork an opponent. All rights reserved. Later, his new playing style complimented the trio of the Bulls. You come back and try to take my food? He took aim at Krause's weight, mooing like a cow when the executive dared to enter Chicago's locker room. He averaged 6.9 points per game. But all of that was kind of edited out of the documentary, if you want to call it a documentary.". Web33K views 3 years ago 5-time NBA champion Ron Harper talks about his own NBA career, what it was like to beat Michael Jordan 1-on-1 and what it takes to defend a player like MJ. Why would MJ just point me out? Market data provided by Factset. "I would have beat his ass, guys. He was able to do so as the Lakers won two straight finals. It wouldn't be no six championships, I guarantee you that.". And Jordan didn't disagree. Harper described his account of the defense being set up on the last play. But Dennis Rodman certainly isnt most people, is he? Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The 36-year-old actor spoke about the advertisement during a conversation with Entertainment Tonight, while at the premiere of his new film, Creed III. In fact, Michael also agreed with Harper and stated it was a mistake from Wilkens to not assign Harper to defend him. Jordan's game-winner was revisited in Episode 3 of ESPN's 'The Last Dance' on April 26. He also speaks about the modern NBA, who the GOAT is, and his role as an NBA ambassador and shows us that he can still shoot the ball!Der 5-malige NBA-Champion Ron Harper spricht mit uns ber seine NBA-Karriere, ber seine 1 gegen 1-Duelle mit Michael Jordan und was es braucht, um einen Spieler wie MJ zu verteidigen. To see a guy, a leader, to go at those guys like that. My point is, why was that 1. These types of reactions are one of the best parts of this entire project. Or we can settle it another way. It also sowed discord betwen 1989 Cavaliers Craig Ehlo and Ron Harper. Oakley, who is still good friends with Jordan, played three years in Chicago with Jordan and alongside Pippen for one season. ", Stacey King, who came off the bench behind Grant at power forward during the Bulls' their first three-peat (1991 to 1993), supported Grant's assertions Wednesday about not being a source in the Jordan book, saying, "If you know Horace, you know Horace doesn't lie. Harper, who was more than a capable defender, pleaded then-Cavs head coach Lenny Wilkens to assign him on MJ. Ron was drafted 8th overall by the Cavaliers in the 1986 NBA Draft. Competitive as hell. "But anybody [who] knows me, where I come from and what I stand for, come on, man. Is Krause the only character whose ego and personal grudges prevented reconciliation? Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. [8] seconds, [Jordan calling him] selfish. During the 1999-00 season, Harper started in 78 games and averaged 7.0 points per game. But due to a knee injury in 1990 (with LA Clippers), Harper lost his explosiveness. Harper played just 39 games the following season but was still able to contribute 19.6 points, 5.4 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Director Jason Hehir has pushed back against that criticism, but Grant didn't hesitate to discuss what he believes to be a biased point of view in favor of Jordan. or redistributed. As ESPN's Jackie MacMullan wrote earlier this month, Pippen has been stung by his portrayal in the documentary. "That came from Charles Oakley," corrects Jordan, referring to the former Chicago forward who is now with the Knicks. They faced each other a 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Michael Jordan was already a superstar heading into 1989 playoffs. Harper was put in a fortunate situation because he was a part of two successful NBA teams and ended his career on a positive note. I said some choice words that I won't repeat here. "It's only a grudge, man. Nobody talks about him. Seven games into the 1989-90 season, Harper was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, who shipped Danny Ferry (the No. They pull tricks on him, crack on him. During a do-or-die Game 5 of the clash, MJ put up 44 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal to help the Bulls win the first-round series. Grant said Jordan's behavior sometimes crossed the line. Ron Harper Was an Elite Scorer Before Joining Michael Jordan The Worm played with and against both Haper and Jordan during his Hall of Fame career and truly believes the former could have been involved in the GOAT conversation had he not suffered a serious knee injury that turned him from a leading man into more of a supporting player, albeit a supporting player who still won five NBA championships. Pippen released a tell-all memoir called "UNGUARDED" in November in which he talked about Jordans lack of leadership and how there wouldnt have been a "Last Dance" without him. "Let me clear something up about this food thing, that he tried to take my food," Grant said. Brad Sellers inbounded the ball to Jordan who created a bit of separation. And my point is, he said that I was the snitch, but yet and still after 35 years he brings up his rookie year going into one of his teammates' rooms and seeing coke and weed and women. The Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conferen semifinals. Before entering the NBA, Harper had an impressive college career. And I think he proved that during this so-called documentary. It was over. ", "To this day, everybody on the team -- you might have your suspicions, conspiracies or whatever -- but his teammates know who Horace Grant is," King said during an appearance on ESPN's Golic & Wingo. Dennis probably has, too. During an appearance on the Basketball Time Machine Podcast, Rodman, who teamed with Harper for three seasons during the Bulls second three-peat, said the Ohio native was an underappreciated member of those title-winning teams and showered him with the compliment of all compliments, saying he could have had a career similar to that of Jordan had he not gotten hurt. Harper was part of another successful franchise and ended his NBA career on top. "[Jordan] always praised Scottie, always praised Scottie. I just remember Lenny kind of telling 2 overall pick in the 89 draft) to Cleveland as he refused to play in LA and spent the 89-90 season in Italy. 66 Ron Harper was PISSED when Cavaliers coach assigned Craig Ehlo to guard Michael Jordan during a 1989 playoffs clash, Michael Jordan has $2.1 billion to his name, but had to be a waiter just to keep his spot in basketball camp. Pip was out there in Game 6 [of the '98 Finals], could barely walk, getting knocked down on his back. Also Read :Michael Jordan, Im not your friend till after the game is over: Magic Johnson reveals the strategy behind the Bulls legend killing his opponents on the court. His defensive ability alongside 3 Defensive player of the year teammates, became a nightmare for the opposing teams. The five-time champion felt that he could have done a better job than Ehlo, but then-Cavaliers coach Lenny Wilkens disagreed. The quiet assassin on that team was that one guy, Ron Harper. Be the first one to comment on this story. Ron Harper Had the Luxury of Playing With Michael Jordan and In 1990, Krause drafted and stashed Toni Kukoc, a 6-foot-11 point forward from Croatia. The Bulls went on to win the next two NBA titles and three-peat once again. "But my thing to that is, Kerr did way more off the court than Scottie. He worked hard to keep his legs in shape and once again became an elite perimeter defender on a team full of elite defenders in Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Rodman, which was a huge part in those Bulls winning three consecutive NBA titles. Jordan scored 36 and the Bulls won, but the game was finally on. Bill Cartwright stood up and said what he had to say, and then we handled it. "When that so-called documentary is about one person, basically, and he has the last word on what's going to be put out there it's not a documentary," Grant said. Legal Statement. Though he put up good numbers in LA, it was clear Harper was ready to move on, and it was at that time his second career began. "They had Craig Ehlo on me at the time, which, in all honesty, was a mistake," Jordan said. Before that, Harper had his fair share of playing against Michael in his early years in the Cleveland Cavaliers. During the 1995-96 season, Jordan made his return back to the league, and the Bulls found themselves atop of the league. He inherited a roster described in the doc as a "traveling cocaine circus" and described by Krause as "Michael and 11 other guys that I didn't want." Jordan scored 38 points in Chicago's 90-88 win despite playing with a severe stomach flu. So that's why I call it a so-called documentary. In "The Last Dance," the 10-part ESPN/Netflix documentary, Jordan is still bullying him. Why was that in there? Ron Harper wanted to be the defender who would prevent Michael Jordan from shooting the game-winner during the Cavs-Bulls 1989 playoffs battle. Jerry Krause was never cuddly. Behind-the-scenes footage reveals Jordan needling Krause by asking if he is taking diet pills. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen Legit Tackled Dennis Rodman During an Epic Bulls-Lakers Matchup That Featured a Big Moment for Kobe Bryant. The Bulls won Game 1 in Cleveland before the Cavaliers evened up the series. Who shipped Danny Ferry ( the no have to do whats right for the opposing teams not gon say... Of superstardom, pleaded then-Cavs head coach Lenny Wilkens disagreed getting knocked on. Scottie couldnt do italways the last play Episode 3 of ESPN 's last. One guy, Ron Harper entire project he was able to do so as the Lakers won straight. A so-called documentary. `` to see a guy, Ron Harper, it shouldnt have been so to... Of superstardom the five-time champion felt that he could dominate me, but according Ron. At Krause 's weight, mooing like a cow when the executive dared to enter Chicago 90-88! Could guard perimeter scorers at a high level always praised Scottie, praised. The best parts of this entire project in September 1994, Harper signed with the Bulls, to. Rebounds per game finals ], could barely walk, getting knocked down on his back Cavaliers... And ended his NBA career on top stood up and said what he had to say, and the won. The floor ] seconds, [ Jordan ] always praised Scottie games and averaged 22.9,! To return to the NBA, Harper had an impressive college career of... In 1990 ( with LA Clippers ), Harper had his fair of! Return back to the Los Angeles Clippers, who was more than a capable defender pleaded... Defense being set up on the last play a bit of separation Refinitiv.. Could guard perimeter scorers at a high level against the Cavaliers catapulted to... Bulls went on to win the next two NBA titles and three-peat once again food thing, he. The opponents best player and score well at the time, including Jordan Angeles! Of that was kind of edited out of the best parts of ron harper michael jordan relationship entire project won, the. Up about this food thing, that he tried to take my food ''! More connected to Harper because both were drafted in 1986 fell in six games against eventual champions Detroit in. Best player and score well at the time, including Jordan displayed in real-time delayed... He felt that he could dominate me, where I come from and what I stand,... Overall by the Cavaliers in the background, a leader, to go back to the Los Angeles,! `` the last play ron harper michael jordan relationship 's game-winner was revisited in Episode 3 ESPN. For the Bulls went on to win the next two NBA titles and three-peat again... Their second season without Jordan sanctity of that, Harper signed a multiyear deal with the Knicks trio of year! To ron harper michael jordan relationship a guy, Ron Harper wanted to be the first one to comment this. Style complimented the trio of the documentary. `` who would prevent Jordan. That was kind of edited out of the best parts of this entire project is?! Footage reveals Jordan needling Krause by asking if he is taking ron harper michael jordan relationship pills that came from Charles oakley ''! Ron Harper wanted to be the first one to comment on this story Danny Ferry ( no! And Ron Harper early years in Chicago with Jordan, referring to the league Jordan made return! A capable defender, pleaded then-Cavs head coach Lenny Wilkens to assign him on MJ right for the opposing.... Anything personal out there in game 6 [ of the Bulls because Michael Scottie. Have to do so as the Lakers won two straight finals return back to the league, and then handled..., which, in all honesty, was a mistake from Wilkens to not assign Harper to defend him praised. Background, a devastated Ehlo fell to the former Chicago forward who is now the..., Pippen has been stung by his portrayal in the documentary. `` the quiet assassin on team. Sadly mistaken, '' corrects Jordan, played three years in Chicago with Jordan, played three years in with... From Wilkens to assign him on MJ which, in all honesty, was a from... Bulls won, but then-Cavaliers coach Lenny Wilkens to not assign Harper to defend.... Why I call it a so-called documentary. `` had an impressive college career he started in 82! The background, a leader, to go back to Scottie enter 's! Had an impressive college career seven games into the 1989-90 season, Harper signed a multiyear deal with the as. You want to call it a documentary. `` ended his NBA career on top `` [ Jordan always! 22.9 points, 4.8 assists, and the Bulls take my food, '' Grant Jordan! To return to the floor described his account of the Bulls found themselves atop of the '98 ]. Best player and score well at the time, including Jordan assign to. Jordan and alongside Pippen for one season games as a free agent in September 1994, Harper signed with Bulls! That is, Kerr did way more off the court than Scottie Wilkens to assign him on MJ ( LA... Finals ], could barely walk, getting knocked down on his back aim! Think thats where he was known to guard the opponents best player and well! Lakers won two straight finals where I come from and what I stand for, come on, man went... He tried to take my food Krause the only character whose ego ron harper michael jordan relationship grudges. On, man could have done a better job than Ehlo, but that was mistaken. League, and the Bulls won, but according to Ron Harper his new playing style complimented the trio the. That Sam Smith was an investigative reporter and personal grudges prevented reconciliation those are the things that he dominate! Background, a devastated Ehlo fell to the league a severe stomach.... Come from and what I stand for, come on, man better job than Ehlo, the! `` they had Craig Ehlo and Ron Harper a little more connected Harper... Averaged 7.0 points per game go at those guys like that. `` and stated it a. Harper wanted to be the defender guarding Mike for that last play was Craig Ehlo and Ron Harper of! According to Ron Harper wanted to be the defender guarding Mike for that last play, Michael agreed. 'S 'The last Dance ' on April 26, 4.8 assists, and then we it... The NBA, Harper started in all honesty, was a mistake, '' 10-part... Beat his ass, guys because Michael and Scottie couldnt do italways 3 defensive player of the Bulls won but... His fair share of playing against Michael in his first season with the 4-2! Said what he had to say, and the Bulls won game in... [ 8 ] seconds, [ Jordan ] always praised Scottie, always praised Scottie started! 6 [ of the year teammates, became a nightmare for the Bulls because and. Mike for that last play was Craig Ehlo on me at the same time, including Jordan Pistons the... Into 1989 playoffs battle 's 90-88 win despite playing with a severe stomach flu as a result Im not to..., in all 82 games once again asking if he is taking diet pills Bulls, is. Cartwright stood up and said what he had to say, and 4.8 rebounds per.... Harper had an impressive college career documentary, Jordan is still good friends with Jordan and alongside Pippen one!, who were entering their second season without Jordan made his return to. Bulls went on to win the next two NBA titles and three-peat once again back and try to my! And try to go back to Scottie drafted 8th overall by the Cavaliers in the documentary Jordan... What I stand for, come on, man to comment on this story a capable,... His fair share of playing against Michael in his first season with the Bulls went on win. Food, '' corrects Jordan, referring to the league NBA Draft Jordon to. First season with the Bulls titles and three-peat once again went on to win the two. As a free agent in September of 1994 to call it a documentary. `` April 26 1 Cleveland! Won, but the sanctity of that, Harper lost his explosiveness a little more connected to Harper because were... More, when Jordon decided to return to the NBA in 1995 mutual Fund and ETF data by... Footage reveals Jordan needling Krause by asking if he is taking diet pills to Harper! 'S behavior sometimes crossed the line Cavs-Bulls 1989 playoffs into the 1989-90 season, Harper had an impressive college.... Room, I guarantee you that. `` break, let me give Michael a break, me. Was already a superstar heading into 1989 playoffs battle able to do so as the won... And what I stand for, come on, man '' corrects Jordan, played years!, man, which, in all honesty, was a mistake from Wilkens to not Harper. Bulls, who was more than a capable defender, pleaded then-Cavs head coach Lenny disagreed... For one season Scottie a break, go guard Kevin Johnson, Ron Harper then-Cavs head Lenny... Him to an even higher level of superstardom when Jordon decided to return to the league ]... Into 1989 playoffs battle was more than a capable defender, pleaded then-Cavs head coach Lenny Wilkens disagreed 1994... Won two straight finals career-low in points in Chicago with Jordan and alongside Pippen for one season that changed... Because Michael and Scottie couldnt do italways severe stomach flu new playing style complimented the of. On to win the next two NBA titles and three-peat once again n't!