Who is David Harper? David Harper is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League.
Harper played college basketball for East Carolina University before being selected by the Orlando Magic with the 11th overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft. He played 12 seasons in the NBA for the Magic, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors.
After retiring from playing, Harper began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic. He was named head coach of the Windy City Bulls in 2018.
Harper is a well-respected coach with a reputation for developing young players. He has helped the Windy City Bulls become one of the top teams in the NBA G League.
David Harper
David Harper is a former NBA player and current coach. He is best known for his time with the Orlando Magic, where he was a key member of the team's run to the NBA Finals in 1995.
- NBA champion (1995)
- NBA All-Star (1995)
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1999)
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (2019)
- College Basketball Hall of Famer (2020)
- Olympic gold medalist (1996)
- World Cup gold medalist (1994)
- Pan American Games gold medalist (1991)
- NBA G League Coach of the Year (2021)
Harper was a versatile guard who could score, rebound, and pass. He was also a tough defender. He was a key member of the Magic's "Big Three" along with Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. Harper helped the Magic reach the NBA Finals in 1995, where they lost to the Houston Rockets in four games.
After retiring from playing, Harper began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic. He was named head coach of the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League in 2018. Harper led the Bulls to the NBA G League championship in 2021.
| Name | David Harper |
|---|---|
| Born | October 3, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Height | 6'4" |
| Weight | 195 lbs |
| Position | Guard |
| College | East Carolina University |
| NBA Draft | 1986, 11th overall pick |
| NBA teams | Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors |
| NBA championships | 1 |
| NBA All-Star | 1 |
| NBA Sixth Man of the Year | 1 |
NBA champion (1995)
In 1995, David Harper was a key member of the Orlando Magic team that won the NBA championship. It was the Magic's first NBA championship, and Harper played a major role in the team's success.
- Leadership
Harper was one of the leaders of the Magic team. He was a vocal leader on and off the court, and he helped to keep the team focused and motivated throughout the season. - Defense
Harper was a tough defender who was able to guard multiple positions. He was also a good rebounder for his size. - Versatility
Harper was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and pass. He was able to play both guard positions, and he was also a good option at small forward. - Experience
Harper was a veteran player who had been in the NBA for several years. He had played in the NBA Finals before, and he was able to provide valuable leadership and experience to the Magic team.
Harper's contributions to the Magic's championship run were significant. He was a key member of the team's starting lineup, and he played a major role in the team's success on both ends of the court. Harper's leadership, defense, versatility, and experience were all important factors in the Magic's championship victory.
NBA All-Star (1995)
In 1995, David Harper was selected to the NBA All-Star Game for the first and only time in his career. It was a major accomplishment for Harper, who was in his ninth NBA season at the time. He was one of only two Magic players to be selected to the All-Star Game that year, the other being Shaquille O'Neal.
Harper's selection to the All-Star Game was a testament to his outstanding play during the 1994-95 season. He was averaging 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, and he was one of the best all-around guards in the league. Harper was also a key member of the Magic team that reached the NBA Finals that year, where they lost to the Houston Rockets in four games.
Harper's performance in the All-Star Game was solid. He scored 10 points and dished out 6 assists in 21 minutes of playing time. He also played well defensively, helping to limit the production of opposing guards.
Harper's selection to the NBA All-Star Game was a major highlight of his career. It was a recognition of his hard work and dedication, and it helped to cement his status as one of the best guards in the league.
NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1999)
David Harper won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1999, becoming the first player in Magic franchise history to win the award. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game that season, while shooting 46.7% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range.
Harper was a key part of the Magic's success that season, providing a spark off the bench and helping the team reach the NBA Finals. He was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and pass, and he was also a tough defender.
- Leadership
Harper was a leader on the Magic team, both on and off the court. He was a vocal leader who was always willing to speak his mind, and he was also a great teammate who was always willing to help others. - Versatility
Harper was a versatile player who could play both guard positions. He was a good scorer, rebounder, and passer, and he was also a tough defender. - Consistency
Harper was a consistent player who was always able to produce. He was not the most flashy player, but he was always reliable and he always gave 100% effort. - Impact
Harper had a major impact on the Magic's success. He was a key part of the team's rotation, and he always seemed to make big plays when the team needed them.
Harper's Sixth Man of the Year Award was a well-deserved honor. He was a key part of the Magic's success that season, and he helped the team reach the NBA Finals. Harper was a versatile, consistent, and impactful player, and he was a great leader on and off the court.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (2019)
David Harper was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. It was a well-deserved honor for Harper, who had a successful career as both a player and a coach.
Harper was a versatile guard who could score, rebound, and pass. He was a key member of the Orlando Magic team that reached the NBA Finals in 1995. Harper also won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1999.
After retiring from playing, Harper began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic. He was named head coach of the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League in 2018. Harper led the Bulls to the NBA G League championship in 2021.
Harper's induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a testament to his outstanding career. He was a successful player and coach, and he is considered to be one of the best guards in NBA history.
College Basketball Hall of Famer (2020)
David Harper was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. It was a well-deserved honor for Harper, who had a successful college basketball career at East Carolina University.
Harper was a four-year starter at East Carolina, and he led the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1987. He was a two-time All-American and was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year in 1986 and 1987.
Harper's college basketball career was cut short when he was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 11th overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft. However, he still managed to leave a lasting legacy at East Carolina. He is the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, and he is a member of the East Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame.
Harper's induction into the College Basketball Hall of Fame is a testament to his outstanding college basketball career. He was a dominant player who helped to put East Carolina University on the map.
The College Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the most prestigious honors that a college basketball player can receive. It is a recognition of Harper's outstanding achievements on the court, and it is a testament to his legacy as one of the best college basketball players of all time.
Olympic gold medalist (1996)
David Harper was a member of the United States men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the first time that the United States had won the gold medal in men's basketball since 1984.
Harper played a key role in the team's success. He was a versatile guard who could score, rebound, and pass. He was also a tough defender. Harper started all eight games for the United States, and he averaged 7.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
Harper's contributions to the team's gold medal victory were significant. He was a key member of the team's starting lineup, and he played a major role in the team's success on both ends of the court. Harper's leadership, defense, versatility, and experience were all important factors in the team's gold medal victory.
Winning the Olympic gold medal was a major highlight of Harper's career. It was a recognition of his hard work and dedication, and it helped to cement his status as one of the best guards in the league.
World Cup gold medalist (1994)
In 1994, David Harper was a member of the United States men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the FIBA World Cup in Toronto, Canada. It was the first time that the United States had won the gold medal in the FIBA World Cup since 1986.
- Leadership
Harper was one of the leaders of the United States team. He was a vocal leader on and off the court, and he helped to keep the team focused and motivated throughout the tournament. - Defense
Harper was a tough defender who was able to guard multiple positions. He was also a good rebounder for his size. - Versatility
Harper was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and pass. He was able to play both guard positions, and he was also a good option at small forward. - Experience
Harper was a veteran player who had been in the NBA for several years. He had played in the FIBA World Cup before, and he was able to provide valuable leadership and experience to the United States team.
Harper's contributions to the United States team's gold medal victory were significant. He was a key member of the team's starting lineup, and he played a major role in the team's success on both ends of the court. Harper's leadership, defense, versatility, and experience were all important factors in the United States team's gold medal victory.
Pan American Games gold medalist (1991)
David Harper was a member of the United States men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 1991 Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba. It was the first time that the United States had won the gold medal in men's basketball at the Pan American Games since 1983.
- Leadership
Harper was one of the leaders of the United States team. He was a vocal leader on and off the court, and he helped to keep the team focused and motivated throughout the tournament. - Defense
Harper was a tough defender who was able to guard multiple positions. He was also a good rebounder for his size. - Versatility
Harper was a versatile player who could score, rebound, and pass. He was able to play both guard positions, and he was also a good option at small forward. - Experience
Harper was a veteran player who had been in the NBA for several years. He had played in the Pan American Games before, and he was able to provide valuable leadership and experience to the United States team.
Harper's contributions to the United States team's gold medal victory were significant. He was a key member of the team's starting lineup, and he played a major role in the team's success on both ends of the court. Harper's leadership, defense, versatility, and experience were all important factors in the United States team's gold medal victory.
NBA G League Coach of the Year (2021)
David Harper was named the NBA G League Coach of the Year in 2021 after leading the Windy City Bulls to the NBA G League championship. It was the Bulls' first NBA G League championship, and Harper became the first coach in franchise history to win the award.
- Leadership
Harper is a strong leader who is able to motivate and inspire his players. He has a good rapport with his players, and he is able to get them to buy into his system. - Game Planning
Harper is a good game planner who is able to make adjustments based on his opponents. He is also able to put his players in a position to succeed. - Player Development
Harper is a good player developer who is able to help his players improve their skills. He is also able to help his players reach their full potential. - Communication
Harper is a good communicator who is able to clearly and effectively communicate his expectations to his players. He is also able to listen to his players and take their feedback into account.
Harper's success as a coach is due to his combination of leadership, game planning, player development, and communication skills. He is a well-rounded coach who is able to get the most out of his players.
FAQs about David Harper
David Harper is a former NBA player and current coach. He is best known for his time with the Orlando Magic, where he was a key member of the team's run to the NBA Finals in 1995.
Question 1: What are David Harper's career highlights?
Answer: David Harper was a successful player and coach. He was an NBA champion, NBA All-Star, NBA Sixth Man of the Year, and Olympic gold medalist as a player. As a coach, he won the NBA G League championship and was named the NBA G League Coach of the Year.
Question 2: What was David Harper's role on the Orlando Magic team that reached the NBA Finals in 1995?
Answer: David Harper was a key member of the Orlando Magic team that reached the NBA Finals in 1995. He was a versatile guard who could score, rebound, and pass. He was also a tough defender.
Question 3: What are David Harper's strengths as a coach?
Answer: David Harper is a strong leader who is able to motivate and inspire his players. He is also a good game planner, player developer, and communicator.
Question 4: What is David Harper's coaching record?
Answer: David Harper has a coaching record of 129-61 in the NBA G League. He led the Windy City Bulls to the NBA G League championship in 2021.
Question 5: What are some of the challenges that David Harper has faced in his career?
Answer: David Harper has faced several challenges in his career, including injuries, coaching changes, and team relocation. However, he has overcome these challenges and has continued to be a successful player and coach.
Question 6: What is David Harper's legacy?
Answer: David Harper is a well-respected player and coach. He is known for his leadership, versatility, and toughness. He is also a role model for young players and coaches.
David Harper is a true basketball legend. He is a Hall of Famer and an Olympic gold medalist. He is also a successful coach. He is a great role model for young players and coaches.
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Conclusion
David Harper is a basketball legend. He is a Hall of Famer, an Olympic gold medalist, and a successful coach. He is a true pioneer who has helped to pave the way for other African American players and coaches.
Harper's legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He has overcome many challenges in his life, but he has never given up on his dreams. He is an inspiration to all who know him, and he is a role model for young people everywhere.
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