OKC Thunder: NBA Draft big board 2.0 – Top 30 prospects

RJ Hampton, G, ABL, 6’5, 185 pounds, 19 years old

I have loved RJ Hampton since before his announcement on ESPN’s Get Up to forego college and electing instead to play for the New Zeland Breakers of the ABL. He only averaged eight points and two assists per contest, but the upside is still there for the 19-year-old.

Hampton did not exactly dominate the ABL as we once expected, and the lack of spotlight games did not help his case either. He could slip down draft boards but he still has modern-day talent.

He oozes athleticism, with elite speed and a ton of explosiveness, Hampton will be tough to defend as he sprints downhill. However, he does not need the ball in his hands to display that burst.

I believe he is the best cutter in the class and displays a ton of hustle. It is almost like he loves to run and basketball is a nice bonus.  Once he gets to the rim, he can also finish the play which is a rare trait for some athletes.

He has the hustle and playmaking but lacks a jump shot which is an amplified weakness in 2020, I could be pegged as a pessimist but I do not see Hampton ever becoming a solid shooter, which presents a big limitation to his game.

Given his playmaking, hustle, fundamentals, athleticism, and defensive ability, he has more than enough to make up for his poor shooter’s touch.

By no means will he be tasked with locking up the opposing teams top offensive threats, it is safe to assume with the right coaching and system that one day he could turn into a lockdown defender.