From 1996 to 1998, the Chicago Bulls solidified their place as one of the most iconic teams in NBA history. With superstars Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman leading the charge, the Bulls achieved a historic three-peat, further etching their legacy in the annals of basketball greatness. Amidst this constellation of talent, Ron Harper played an instrumental role as the starting point guard. His career didn’t plateau with the Bulls’ success; Harper continued to shine with the Los Angeles Lakers, partnering with legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Over his illustrious career, Harper collected five NBA Championship rings, three with the Bulls and two more with the Lakers, granting him the rare privilege of having competed alongside some of the greatest players in NBA history like Kobe or O’Neal. It’s this unique perspective that empowers him to deliver insights into discussions surrounding the all-time greats.
Recently, Harper opted not to join the perennial “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) debate. Instead, he shared his personal starting five drawn from the array of Hall-of-Fame-caliber teammates, like Pippen or Rodman, he played with during his 15-year NBA career. During a recent conversation with The Makeshift Project on Instagram, Harper revealed his all-time greatest teammates lineup.
Given his illustrious career and the iconic figures he shared the court with, determining his all-time starting five might seem straightforward. Unsurprisingly, the lineup boasts some of basketball’s brightest stars, like Rodman or O’Neal, highlighting Harper’s legendary cohorts.
All-time teammate starting five:
- Point Guard (PG): Scottie Pippen
- Shooting Guard (SG): Kobe Bryant
- Small Forward (SF): Michael Jordan
- Power Forward (PF): Dennis Rodman
- Center (C): Shaquille O’Neal
Harper’s choice for Sixth Man: Toni Kukoc
When asked about his choice for the sixth man in an all-time starting lineup, Harper didn’t hesitate to highlight a name less frequently mentioned by former players but worthy of Hall of Fame recognition: Toni Kukoc.
Notably, Kukoc was awarded the Sixth Man of the Year during the 1995-1996 season as part of the Chicago Bulls’ championship team. Sporting the number 7 jersey, the Croatian standout made history with his remarkable contributions to the Bulls’ three-peat triumphs from 1996 to 1998. Although he started in only 22 of the 45 playoff games during those years, his impact was crucial to securing the championship titles.
Harper’s head coach selection: Phil Jackson
Reflecting on his illustrious career with the Bulls, achieving a three-peat, and subsequent success with the Lakers, securing two consecutive titles, Harper confidently chose Phil Jackson as the head coach for his dream team.
Jackson’s unparalleled influence in the NBA has solidified his reputation, with countless former players attesting to his standing as the greatest coach in NBA history.