Scary target Boston Celtics should avoid No. 1) R.J. Hampton
In this upcoming NBA Draft the Boston Celtics once again find themselves in possession of ample capital, this time in the form of three first-round selections. One of said selections is slotted in at pick No. 14, thus giving Beantown the last stab at a lottery grab in 2020.
Because of their current possessions, the franchise is expected to be quite busy when doing their pre-draft homework, which includes a boatload of interviews.
Most recently, one of this draft’s top-billed overseas ballers (though American born) R.J. Hampton reportedly met with the franchise and, according to Chris Grenham of Forbes SportsMoney, they have expressed interest in the New Zeland Breakers point guard.
"Boston could go in several directions, but taking a chance on R.J. Hampton is one of the more interesting scenarios. The Celtics had a good interview with Hampton and are looking to have an in-person workout with him in the near future, according to multiple sources. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor had the Celtics taking Hampton at No. 14 in his latest mock draft, and that would make sense for Boston on a few levels."
Playing a position of need and boasting an impressive build at 6-5 with a 6-7 wingspan, Hampton has intrigued many scouts during his one season in the NBL. And, while he has also been tabbed as being one of the best guards in this class, it is the Houdini’s belief that the shamrocks should steer clear of the 19-year-old.
The main gripes we have with Hampton is the fact that he’s proven to be a below-average defender, lacks tremendously in court vision, and subpar doesn’t even begin to describe his shooting range — only a 41 percent shooter from the field, 30 percent from deep, and 68 percent from the line.
If the Boston Celtics were to select Hampton, it would likely come with their 14th overall pick which, to be frank, could prove to be a mistake when other talents at the same position (Kira Lewis Jr., for example) will likely be available and possess qualities that better fit Brad Stevens’ system.
It is our belief that this pick should be used to add a big such as Maryland’s Jalen Smith. That said, should they opt to select a point guard at this spot, they likely would be better off looking away from R.J. Hampton.