Retired NBA player Ron Harper was on the opposing end of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls when the now-iconic moment known as “The Shot” occurred.

Harper's Cleveland Cavaliers figured in a tight contest against the Bulls in the decider of their best-of-five Eastern Conference First Round match-up in 1989. With the Bulls down with by one with three ticks left in regulation, Jordan drained one of the most memorable buzzer-beaters of all-time over the outstretched hands of Cavs defender Craig Ehlo.

Here's that legendary moment just to jog your memory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5WUOnTxwPw

In an appearance in Episode 3 of ESPN's “The Last Dance” documentary, Ron Harper shared his expletive reaction when then-Cavs head coach Lenny Wilkens tasked Ehlo to defend Michael Jordan in the final possession.

 

Apart from being a 20+ point scorer during his time with Cleveland, Harper was also arguably the team's best wing defender. The 6-foot-6 combo guard had the height, length, and athleticism to hang with Jordan.

Ehlo, who also stood at 6-foot-6, was a terrific shooter throughout his career. And while he was also no slouch on defense, Harper strongly believes he was the right man for the job.

In the documentary, Jordan also acknowledged that it was “a mistake” that the Cavs had Craig Ehlo defending him during the pivotal possession.

It is also worth noting that it was Ehlo made the crucial lay-up to give the Cavs a 100–99 lead with 3 seconds left. This may have played a part in coach Wilkens' decision for him to defend Jordan.

Harper, meanwhile, will get a chance to play with Jordan later on during his stint with the Bulls from 1994-99. He was a big part of the Bulls' second three-peat conquest.

Could Jordan still drain that jumper with Harper defending him? Without a doubt. But I guess we'll never truly know.