Michael Jordan’s crazy workout and early morning cigar routine stunned Ron Harper!

[JohnS]

Ron Harper reveals what it was like working out with Michael Jordan: "He had a cup of coffee and a cigar in his mouth at 6:30am"

Harper sheds light on his experience of practicing with Jordan.

Yakshpat Bhargava - Nov 2, 2024 

After averaging over 19 points per game with the Cleveland Cavaliers and L.A. Clippers, Ron Harper grew confident in his scoring abilities and physical strength as a guard. However, his self-assessment changed dramatically while practicing with Michael Jordan when the five-time MVP considered returning to the NBA for his second stint.

Not only was the "Ohio Flyer" humbled, but "His Airness" also challenged him to elevate his work rate, endurance, and strength. This scenario actually allowed Ron to boost his ties with Michael, who demanded excellence.

Harper on working out with Jordan

When "Harp" joined the Chicago Bulls in the summer of 1994, it was obvious that his playing time would be half that of his days with the Clippers. However, Ron was sure his endurance and athleticism were still among the best. His confidence was tested when a returning MJ instructed him to practice with him.

On Stacey King's podcast, Harper humorously described his shock when he found that Jordan practiced out as soon as the sun was up. While Ron, who was well in an 82-game form, found it challenging to prepare himself, Michael was already in his unique routine.

"He didn't ask me. He told me, 'We gonna start training.' I'm like, 'Ok, cool.' We training 6:30 (am), I thought it was 6:30 in the afternoon. I'm like, 'Something wrong with this kid. I'm in third dream at that time,'" Harper said. "I go downstairs, I see Tim over there… I'm yawning, sleep in my eyes. J walked down with a cup of coffee and a cigar in his mouth. I said, 'Who smoke at 6:30am?'"

Jordan humbled Harper

Even though Ron was in peak NBA rhythm, he thought he could give Michael a taste of what it would take to get back into shape for the league. Instead, "Harp" himself got a reality check during those practices.

"I thought I worked pretty hard… but when I watch some of the stuff he's doing and how strong he was, I had to step my game up," he said. "He said, 'You got two to three weeks to catch up to me.' So now he challenged me."

Nevertheless, that humbling experience pushed him to work out even harder with MJ and Scottie Pippen, motivating him to raise his standards by putting in extra hours in the weight room. After those grueling sessions, Harper admitted that he never passed up the chance to enjoy a meal prepared by Michael's personal chef at his house, finding at least one bright spot after an exhausting workout.

Source: https://www.basketballnetwork.net/latest-news/ron-harper-reveals-what-it-was-like-working-out-with-michael-jordan