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R.J Hunter’s Mind is in the Right Place

By Joshua Bateman

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Before R.J Hunter was drafted by the Boston Celtics the entire country already knew his name for the most exciting and heartwarming moment of the NCAA tournament.

His dream fell short but one of the most lasting images of this year’s march madness is Hunter’s father falling off his chair after his son hit the most improbable shot of the year.

The most improbable shot also capped off the biggest upset of the tournament and there’s no doubting that Hunter’s shot was one of the greater sports moments of the entire year.

It’s no surprise that Hunter received an invitation to this year’s ESPYs awards and he was in a position to at least be recognized or even given an award at the event.

A lot of athletes would cherish and celebrate their moment with some of the greatest sports figures in the world but Hunter took another route and declined the invitation.

No one would have faulted or even questioned Hunter if he decided to attend the ESPYs but he wouldn’t let anything distract him from focusing on the summer league.

The Celtics have been one of the best teams in the summer league and Hunter wants nothing to get in the way of developing and building chemistry with his young teammates. The summer league has an added opportunity with the Celtics because very few teams have as many rotation players playing in the summer league.

Hunter has been showing a lot of promise in the summer league and with the extra time he is spending with Marcus Smart he will be able to contend for a spot along side him in the starting rotation.

Apr 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) controls the ball during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Hunter also realizes that he has more competition on the Celtics than he would have with almost any other team. The Celtics drafted three guards even though guard was where they had the most depth.

Hunter knows that any roster spot will not be guaranteed and he wants to give the Celtics every reason to have him on the regular season squad. Hunter is trying to prove to the Celtics that he will give them everything on and off the court. Whether it’s his competitive spirit or dedication Hunter is making sure that the games coming up on the schedule are his biggest priority.

Hunter can be the best three point shooter on the Celtics and this kind of mentality will ensure that he is as comfortable as possible in Stevens’ offense. Hunter will get a lot more open shots than he is accustomed to with the Celtics and the more comfortable he is in the offense the more opportunities he will have to hit those open shots.

Hunter’s ability to shoot makes him one of the best weapons the Celtics have and with the way he has been on and off the court this summer league he should secure himself a spot to play in the regular season.

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