One of the unsung heroes of the second Chicago Bulls threepeat championship run in the 1990s was Ron Harper. He was a top notch defender in those days. A role he surprisingly embraced after being a primary scorer with the Los Angeles Clippers for so many years. He knows what it means to sacrifice in order to help the team win.
He also won two more titles with the Lakers after his time in Chicago. So the guy might know something about what it takes to win in the NBA. He also knows what championship players tend to look like, which was why his comments regarding former Bulls superstar Derrick Rose were as blunt as they were biting. According to TMZ Sports, it seems like Harper is not a believer in the idea Rose will ever win a title.
Indeed that laser-like focus required of most championship players was part of Rose early in his career. It was evident in everything he did. However, it seems like something began to change after he started suffering his knee injuries. Though still working hard, his drives seemed to wane. He grew more concerned about being there for his family and steadily his productivity began to decline.
It finally culminated in him being traded to the New York Knicks. Though he’s averaging 17.9 points per game this season, it’s a hollow number. His effectiveness is nowhere near the level it was six years ago when he claimed MVP honors. He may end up having a decent run in the Big Apple, but it’s growing clear that his peak days are already behind him.
Given the state of the Knicks franchise, Harper is likely right.
