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OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: RJ Hampton

By Shontelle Matano

OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: RJ Hampton of the Breakers makes a lay-up during the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and the New Zealand Breakers (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: RJ Hampton of the Breakers makes a lay-up during the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and the New Zealand Breakers (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: RJ Hampton (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images) /

NZ Breakers Guard RJ Hampton is tipped to be a first-round pick with his blistering speed and pro experience, but will the OKC Thunder draft him?

As NBA draft night draws closer, the OKC Thunder has a greater chance of securing a lottery pick. This is with Sam Presti predicted to make some bigs moves with the 25th and additional 28th pick from the Schroder-Lakers trade.

There’s a possibility RJ Hampton will still be on the board or Presti may be able to make a deal to acquire him. During the 2019-20 season, Hampton moved to New Zealand to play for the Breakers in the NBL. It had everyone talking and though hindered by injury, it was a bold move for the 19-year-old.

Confidence is one thing that stands out which has come with living in a different country and being surrounded by veterans straight out of High School. This will serve him well if he’s to be considered by the Thunder who already has a trio of young players who are not afraid to assert themselves on the big stage.

RJ Hampton draft prospect interview:

Specifics:

  • Height: 6’5″
  • Weight: 188 pounds
  • Wingspan: 6’7″
  • Position: Guard
  • Birthdate/Age: February 7, 2001, 19.3 years
  • College: skipped NCAA to play in NBL for NZ Breakers
  • Stat line: 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists
  • Home Town: Dallas, Texas
Per Game Table
Season G MP FGA FG% 3PA 3P% 2PA 2P% FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK PTS
2019-20 15 20.6 8.2 .407 2.9 .295 5.3 .468 1.9 .679 0.7 3.1 3.9 2.4 1.1 0.3 8.8

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/16/2020. 

Current Ranking:

There are some mixed opinions in terms of Hampton’s ranking in the draft class. With elements of spark in his game and room for improvement, the guard has the potential to be a steal.

The late first-round rankings below are an indication that if everything aligns, he could be on his way to OKC. However, it will come down to fit and whether teams drafting higher are willing to take the time to help him develop into the great player he can be. OKC fits this equation.

The Ringer: 21st
NBA DraftNet: 26th
ESPN: 15th
CBS Sports: 18th
NBA: 9th
Sports Illustrated: 23rd
Bleacher Report: 25th
Basketball Insiders: 14th
FanSided The Step Back: 26th
FanSided Hoops Habit: 14th

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