2025 PBA Mock Draft: NBA veteran could be available?

 


Filipino-American basketball players Boogie Ellis and Ron Harper Jr. have been released by their respective NBA teams, the Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics, ahead of the 2024-2025 regular season. Both players had strong performances during the NBA Summer League and pre-season but were unable to secure roster spots.

Ellis, an undrafted rookie, played in three of the Kings' five pre-season games, averaging 9.0 points and 1.3 rebounds. He showcased his shooting ability, hitting 41.7 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Harper, the son of NBA legend Ron Harper Sr., was a two-way contract player for the Toronto Raptors before his release last year due to injury. He signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Celtics this season but was unable to secure a regular season spot.

Both Ellis and Harper are expected to play in the NBA G-League, where they can continue to develop their skills and showcase their talent. A strong performance in the G-League could lead to another opportunity in the NBA.

While Ellis and Harper may not have made the NBA regular season roster, their journeys are far from over. Both players have the potential to make a significant impact in the PBA.

With the recent changes to the PBA's Fil-foreign rules, Filipino-American players are eligible to play in the league without counting towards the team's foreign player limit. This opens the door for players like Ellis and Harper to return to the Philippines and showcase their talents.

If Ellis and Harper decide to join the PBA, they would be major additions to any team. Their athleticism, skill, and experience would make them immediate impact players and could help elevate the level of competition in the league.

While it's uncertain whether either player will return to the Philippines, their journeys serve as inspiration for young Filipino-American basketball players. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to achieve success in the NBA and beyond.


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