Boston Celtics guard JD Harper secured a three-year standard NBA deal following an unexpected postseason start, while smoothly executing a jersey number negotiation to claim No. 8 in honor of Kobe Bryant, according to team announcements and player interviews reported by Adam Himmelsbach.
The 26-year-old guard transitioned from a two-way contract obtained before the start of last season into a standard agreement in April. According to player statements reported by Adam Himmelsbach, Harper spent much of his early rotation minutes appearing in blowouts or when the Celtics roster was heavily shorthanded due to injuries.
The High-Stakes Postseason Opportunity
That trajectory shifted dramatically on May 2. According to reporting by Adam Himmelsbach, assistant coach Da’Sean Butler informed Harper upon his arrival at TD Garden that he would start Game 7 of the first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Boston played that crucial matchup without injured forward Jayson Tatum. Harper marked just his fourth career start combined when he took the floor. His stint lasted four minutes as the Celtics fell behind 11-4, eventually losing the game and the series to squander a 3-1 lead, according to game accounts detailed by Adam Himmelsbach.
Despite the quick exit, head coach Joe Mazzulla demonstrated clear confidence by inserting the young guard into such an essential spot. “It means a lot,” Harper said, according to Adam Himmelsbach. “It shows that they believe in me at the highest level with it all on the line. So, it’s just replicating that trust back to them, that I trust in them and their plan for me.”
Securing Long-Term Stability and Jersey No. 8
That organizational plan materialized roughly two months after the playoff loss when Boston locked Harper into a three-year contract. According to player interviews conducted by Adam Himmelsbach, the guard enters his upcoming campaign with professional stability and a guaranteed deal.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity and that they believe in me and want me here long term,” Harper said, via Adam Himmelsbach. “It’s just motivation to keep getting better and keep proving them right, so that’s something I look forward to doing.”
Alongside his new contract, Harper navigated a teammate departure by securing his preferred jersey number. Following roster moves, Harper coordinated with Paul George to acquire the digit, switching to No. 8 to honor his favorite player, Kobe Bryant. According to Adam Himmelsbach, Harper joked that the transition “benefits both parties” and that George appears to have compensated him for the number.
Did you know? JD Harper’s younger brother, Dylan, is a rising star for the Spurs. Growing up, the brothers frequently watched Paul George’s Pacers games, making George a favorite player of Dylan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did JD Harper sign his three-year contract with the Celtics?
According to reporting by Adam Himmelsbach, the Celtics signed Harper to his three-year standard NBA deal roughly two months after their May playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
What jersey number does JD Harper wear now?
Harper wears No. 8, a switch he made in honor of Kobe Bryant after working out a number change following roster transactions, as reported by Adam Himmelsbach.
How many games did Harper start during the regular season?
According to team records and reports by Adam Himmelsbach, Harper started three games during the regular season before receiving a surprise Game 7 playoff start against Philadelphia.
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