RJ Hampton offers details on OKC Thunder interview in media session

In the ongoing draft prospect media interviews, RJ Hampton spoke about his time overseas and playing the OKC Thunder in a preseason game.

A player who got early interest from the OKC Thunder as someone to keep an eye on this past season was RJ Hampton. The guard played his high school ball at Little Elm and then elected to travel overseas to join the New Zealand Breakers of the NBL –Australian League instead of opting for the NCAA.

A hip injury derailed his season allowing him to only get in 15 games. The guard averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He was aggressive in the passing lanes and defensive accounting for 1.1 steals per game. His perimeter shooting however was not robust with Hampton attempting 2.9 perimeter shots per game with a lackluster 29.5 percent efficiency.

His full zoom video media interview is available on the NBA site offering the youngsters comments on a variety of topics.

RJ Hampton zoom media session highlights

Of the many NBA draft prospects, RJ Hampton is a youngster the OKC Thunder know a bit about having witnessed him in action via a preseason game this season.

The following offers some highlights from that session and his responses.

Hampton has talked to OKC Thunder

Rylan Stiles asked Hampton if he’d interviewed with the Thunder to which he responded affirmatively. In a follow-up, Stiles asked how the interview went and Hampton offered positive takes on that session.

Noted the three guard system the  Thunder run and called Shai a great young guard who he has taken some bits and pieces from to incorporate into his own game and cited Chris Paul one of the best point guards of all time.

The interesting part of this interview was it occurred prior to former OKC Thunder head coach Billy Donovan leaving the club as he was part of the interview session. Moreover, Hampton spoke of the value he gained in the preseason game between the Breakers and OKC Thunder as it gave him a benchmark to build and grow from.

Hampton comments on other teams:

Although RJ hasn’t spoken to the Brooklyn Nets there is a natural tie-in with that franchise given GM Sean Marks is from New Zealand. Hampton noted he is well aware of Marks who is beloved back home

Teams he has interviewed with include the Suns, Pistons, Blazers, Knicks, Wizards, and Bulls.

Of those Hampton offered insight on how he’d fit with specific teams or how the sessions differed. For example, with the Knicks, he was questioned about how he would deal with being under the bright lights of the Mecca. The guard mentioned how the Knicks are undergoing big changes with the management changes and spoke highly of Tom Thibodeau.

Similarly, the interview with the Kings occurred before the new GM was hired but he likes the idea of playing alongside De’Aaron Fox believing they could work off each other’s strengths.

One team he hasn’t interviewed with is Dallas where he grew up and is where he’s doing his pre-draft training. Hampton says if he ended playing with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis on the Mavericks it would be ‘super sick’.

Pre-Draft training, influences:

Hampton cites the young Bulls as another team he likes and notes Zach LaVine is a player he looks up to and is an influence. The youngster calls LaVine a prolific scorer and great athlete and also says Jamal Murray is someone he watches a ton of film on because he does so many things well. Notably, he spoke with the Bulls prior to Billy Donovan being hired.

And the other team Hampton seemed quite hyped about the possibility of joining was the 76ers. RJ notes how it would be great to work with Ben Simmons with both being long, lanky defensive guards along with Matisse Thybulle noting that trio would be a nightmare for opposing teams.

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The hip injury that sidelined the star he says has been healed for over seven months. His pre-draft process has included training primarily at home in Dallas but he also travels to Memphis to work with Mike Miller and Penny Hardaway.

RJ says he and Miller “worked on everything from my head down to my toes” on his shot. They focused on making his base strong, ball placement while slowing down and simplifying his shot and getting his shot up higher. As for Hardaway, with both being bigger guards his advice should be impactful for Hampton as the duo spent time working on pick and roll.

In terms of what Hampton believes are his assets, he notes his ability to bring a fast pace calling himself an energizer guard who can attack downhill and get teammates shots while also being a pest on defense. Hampton says he may be the fastest if not most athletic guard in the draft.

Areas he is working to improve include half-court offense, getting his IQ sharper on pick and roll sets which is why he’s working with Miller and Hardaway.