Jazz Ink Harpring

HARPRING HIGHLIGHTS Matt Harpring Guard/Forward 6-7, 231 05/31/76 Harpring Photogallery Signed with the Utah Jazz on Aug. 15, 2002. In his four year NBA Career has started in 158 of the 191 games played and has seen action with Orlando, Cleveland and Philadelphia. Missed most of the 1999-2000 season with a torn peroneal tendon in his left ankle. Had surgery on Jan. 11, 2000 to remove a fractured posterior talar process from his left ankle and missed 25 games. Had bone spurs removed from his left ankle on June 5, 2001 and his left ankle on August 17, 2001. An NBA All-Rookie First Team selection, he appeared in all 50 games in 1998-99 and averaging 8.2 points and 4.3 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per contest. Finished his collegiate career at Georgia Tech ranked second on the Yellow Jackets all-time scoring list (2,225 points) and second all-time in rebounds (997) as well as the school's all-time leader in free throws made (508) and attempted (675). Had his No. 15 retired by Georgia Tech prior to his final regular-season home game Recorded a career high 28 points against the Charlotte Hornets on March 16, 2001. Pulled down a career high 13 rebounds against the Phoenix Suns on April 3, 2002. Played a career high 49 minutes against Sacramento on November 1, 2000.

“Matt brings to our team the kind of energy our coaches appreciate in a player,” Haslam said. “He will fit into Jerry’s system and will be able to play multiple positions when he is on the floor. He’s still a young player but he’s improved every year he’s been in the league and this is a clear indication of his desire and attitude. Matt was highly sought after by several teams so we are very pleased he made the decision to play for the Jazz. Kevin (O’Connor) has been working hard to put this deal together…even in the midst of a family vacation. We think it will be a great fit for both Matt and the Jazz.”

Harpring was originally selected by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 1998 NBA Draft (15th overall) and saw action in 54 games for the Magic over two seasons. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in August 2000 and saw action in 56 games for the Cavs in the 2000-2001 season. He joined the 76ers last summer along with teammate Cedric Henderson for forwards Tyrone Hill and Jumaine Jones.

An NBA All-Rookie First Team selection in 1999-2000, he appeared in all 50 games of the lockout-shortened season, averaging 8.2 ppg and 4.3 rebounds. As a collegiate player, he was named to the All-ACC team three times (1995-1996 to 1997-1998) while at Georgia Tech.