Each NBA team’s greatest free agent signing in franchise history

Chicago Bulls: Ron Harper, Shooting Guard (1994-99)

Ron Harper seemed to have everything an NBA player could want for the first eight seasons of his career in the league. While not an All-Star, he’d managed to average 19.5 points per game playing for two separate teams, having been given plenty of minutes and shots to maintain that precious scoring average.

It was in the summer of 1994 where he gave all the individual glory away, opting instead to sign a deal with the Chicago Bulls, who were in the midst of finding an identity sans Michael Jordan. Harper would slide right into that open shooting guard spot, but would see a stark decrease in touches, given the presence of both Scottie Pippen and Tony Kukoc.

When Jordan returned, there was no resentment from Harper. He adapted his game for the better, sliding over to the point guard position and focusing more of his energy to the defensive side of the ball where he, Jordan and Pippen formed a terrifying trio.

He didn’t operate as a traditional floor general. Those duties were left mostly to Pippen and Jordan, the main focus of the offense. In what was a complicated playbook known as the Triangle Offense, Harper still managed to do his part in scanning the defense and then making the correct read.

Harper averaged less than eight points during his tenure in Chicago, but still managed to play a huge role in the Bulls’ three straight championships from 1996 to 1998. It was the ultimate pay-off move for him, one that validated his sacrifice and put his game on the grandest stage for all to appreciate.