Former Michael Jordan Teammate Jabs LeBron James About Sons' NBA Path

Ron Harper Sr. says he won't tell his kids what to do, unlike LeBron James

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Ron Harper Sr., a former NBA player and teammate of Michael Jordan, recently commented on the different approaches he and LeBron James have taken when it comes to their sons' basketball careers. Harper said he is not going to tell his kids what to do, unlike James, who has been vocal about his sons' NBA aspirations.

Why it matters

The comments highlight the different philosophies parents can have when it comes to guiding their children's athletic careers. Harper's remarks suggest he wants to give his sons the freedom to choose their own paths, while James has been more proactive in shaping his sons' basketball journeys.

The details

Harper Sr. played 16 seasons in the NBA, including as the starting point guard for the Chicago Bulls' second three-peat in the 1990s. He now has two sons, Dylan and Ron Jr., who are both currently playing in the NBA. During a recent Shooting Stars challenge event, Harper Sr. was asked if he expected both his sons to follow in his footsteps and play in the NBA. In response, he said, "I'm not LeBron James, I'm not going to tell my kids what they have do." This comment was seen as a jab at James, who has been very vocal about his desire for his sons to make it to the NBA.

  • Ron Harper Sr. made the comments after participating in the Shooting Stars challenge event on February 15, 2026.

The players

Ron Harper Sr.

A former NBA player who played 16 seasons in the league, including as a teammate of Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls' second three-peat championship teams in the 1990s.

Dylan Harper

One of Ron Harper Sr.'s sons, who was the reigning No. 2 pick in the previous year's NBA Draft and is currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs.

Ron Harper Jr.

The other son of Ron Harper Sr., who went undrafted in 2022 but is currently representing the Boston Celtics and spending most of the 2025-26 season with their G League team, the Maine Celtics.

LeBron James

A legendary NBA player who has been vocal about his desire for his sons to also make it to the NBA.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not LeBron James, I'm not going to tell my kids what they have do,”

— Ron Harper Sr., Former NBA Player (basketnews.com)

The takeaway

Harper's comments highlight the different philosophies parents can have when it comes to guiding their children's athletic careers. While some, like LeBron James, are very proactive in shaping their kids' basketball journeys, others, like Harper, prefer to give their children the freedom to choose their own paths.