Timberwolves NBA draft profile: R.J. Hampton

Winter is approaching and the days are getting shorter. That means the 2020 NBA season is almost here!

Due to the redone 2020 season schedule, the NBA draft will be held Nov. 18 while the 2020-21 season will begin Dec. 22.

The Minnesota Timberwolves own two picks in the first round: the top overall selection as well as No. 17. Who might they be interested in at No. 17?

In this edition, we take a look at New Zealand Breakers guard R.J. Hampton.

OVERVIEW

Hampton is from the Dallas metro area and attended Little Elm High School in Little Elm, Texas. His prep career got off to a great start as a freshman, averaging 24.8 points, 8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.2 steals and 2.3 blocks per game in 34 of Little Elm’s games. Hampton’s growth continued as a high schooler and by the time he left he was ranked a five-star recruit and fifth-best player of the 2019 class by 247 Sports.

While Hampton could have played at any college he wanted, he chose to improve his game in Australia’s National Basketball League after his high school career, signing with the New Zealand Breakers. In his lone season with the Breakers, Hampton recorded 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game with a 40.7% shooting percentage while playing 20.6 minutes per game.

COMBINE

Hampton was invited to the NBA combine but his results are not yet available.

MEASURABLES (via nba.com)

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 190 pounds

Wingspan: 6-7

FILM ROOM

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“Hampton is a silky smooth combo guard who has good size and can light up the scoreboard. He’s a good three point shooter and an exciting ball handler who can take over games with his offensive ability. Has pure point guard instincts and can also score the ball in bunches, giving him a lot of versatility to play on or off the ball. He plays with his head up and tends to make the right basketball play.” – NBADraftRoom.com

“Considered a likely late lottery to mid first round pick … Looks to be an impactful role player early on in his career, which will give him good minutes … Won’t be a star right away but a year or two of development on a consistent jump shot will turn him from good to great.” – NBADraft.net

HOW HE FITS

It is clear that Hampton has some work to do when it comes to his shooting, but he has good form and a quick stroke so his 29.5% mark from deep in the NBL could be improved. He can handle the ball well, drive the rim and blend in on defense. Another competent guard could be huge for Minnesota and after a year of professional basketball, Hampton is probably more NBA-ready than his peers late in the draft.