Who is Dylan Harper's Dad? Meet Former NBA Player Ron Harper

If you're watching the NBA Finals like the rest of us (who isn't?), you're enjoying all of the star talent on the floor, and you want to know more about all of these great players. Jalen Brunson's dad, Rick, is an assistant coach on the Knicks and has been on camera several times. He's not the only player in this series with a famous father, though.

San Antonio Spurs star Dylan Harper comes from a championship lineage. His dad, Ron Harper, was a five-time champion and played in the NBA for teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s through the 2000s.

Harper was a defensive savant with a high IQ and incredible timing on both ends of the floor. He started his career as a top option on the Cavs and the Clippers, but it was when he got to Chicago in 1994 that his true calling was established. Harper worked better as a tertiary option, focusing on his strengths instead of trying to do things that were out of his skill range.

His defensive talent made him an indispensable role player next to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. He averaged at least 18 points per game on the Clippers and Cavs, but sacrifced those numbers to start winning playoff games in Chicago. He averaged under 12 points per game in every Bulls season, but he was rewarded with three championships.

Harper went to Los Angeles and played a key role for the Lakers next to Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in the early 2000s. He won another two championships there.

Ron's son, Dylan, looks to have a more prominent starring role on his potential championship team. Dylan Harper has been one of the Spurs' best players at only 20 years old. He has scored in double figures in all four games of the Finals so far, something no other player at his age has ever done.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 10:42 PM.