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R.J Hunter is Getting NBA Ready

By Joshua Bateman

Mar 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard R.J. Hunter (28) shoots for three points against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin (10) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated Memphis 116-96. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard R.J. Hunter (28) shoots for three points against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin (10) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated Memphis 116-96. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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R.J Hunter is putting in the work to become an NBA ready player

It often feels as though R.J Hunter gets lost in the incredible depth and youth that the Boston Celtics have at the guard position. Terry Rozier was clearly more ready for the NBA as a rookie and his dominance in the summer league reinforced that. One of the bigger concerns with Hunter was his physical frame and how that would make him a glaring liability on the defensive end. It is certainly not enough by itself, but the one guard on the Celtics that offers a height advantage has now eclipsed the 200 pound mark.

The Celtics desperately need a shooter like Hunter has the potential to be. Unfortunately, he will struggle tremendously to be a part of the rotation is he is going to be a defensive liability. His three point shooting is no where near it needs to be in order for that to give him a role in and of itself. That being said, at 6’7, Hunter has an added dimension of position versatility, and he is clearly putting in the work that is needed in order to ensure that he can physically handle himself in the NBA.

Expecting Hunter to be a consistent part of the rotation this season may be unrealistic. If nothing else, there is far too much depth ahead of him, particularly on the defensive end. Barring horrible regression on their part, Hunter has four guards that are firmly ahead of him in the rotation in Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley and Rozier. That being said, losing Evan Turner could open up limited opportunities for him, and the chance at a decent role if there are injury troubles.

Even if Hunter is still too far away to have a chance to surpass the guards ahead of him, if he can be effective in limited minutes then his upside could be too much to pass up. Shooting looks to be the Celtics’ biggest area of concern this season, and if adding weight to his frame makes him a capable defender, then he can give the Celtics a much needed boost off the bench.

Losing Turner will certainly have a negative impact on the offense second unit. Until Smart or Rozier can prove they can have the same kind of impact that Turner did, especially as a passer, they will need all the offense they can get out of the second unit.

Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) and guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Kelly Olynyk (41) react during a timeout against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) and guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Kelly Olynyk (41) react during a timeout against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Of course, adding the weight to his frame is not going to be enough. The best sign Hunter showed last season was his willingness to be a passer. Shooting is Hunter’s biggest strength but if he can help bring the passing that will be missed without Turner, then Rozier may not have as much of an advantage over him that early indications are pointing to, even if he is a far superior defender and ball handler.

Hunter does not have the same experience that Rozier does, but there was a brief period early on last season when he was a part of the rotation. He’s been given an opportunity to understand how the offense needs to function and he has a certain degree of comfort. Neither Smart nor Rozier have demonstrated the ability to be the passer that Turner was, meaning they will need a collective effort in order to get the same advantage from their second unit.

Hunter has shown a willingness to help establish the ball movement that they need, and if he can be trusted to hit his open looks then it may only be a matter of time before he gets the kind of role he needs to have an impact. Hunter did not have a significant role last season, but that was anticipated from him coming out of college. Now, he is making some of the progress that they also anticipated when they selected him in the first round.

Unfortunately, losing Turner also means that the Celtics lost one of their better guard defenders. Both Rozier and Smart blow Hunter away on the defensive end, and thats what makes Hunter’s work this offseason even more important.

Next: USA Select Team Will Help Marcus Smart's Development

Especially with his size, Hunter needs to be able to prove that he can be a capable defender and strength was always one of the bigger concerns. When Hunter was drafted the Celtics knew that he was not physically ready for the NBA. Once Hunter reaches where he needs to be physically, then he will be given all the opportunities he needs to prove that he can be the three point shooter the Celtics drafted him for.

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