The NBA Draft is coming up on November 18. Armed with three first round picks (#14, #26, and #30), the Celtics could go in a variety of directions. TheBostonInsider will be taking a look at several players that could be a fit in Boston.
RJ Hampton, New Zealand Breakers (NBL Australia), Guard (6-5, 180 pounds)
Eighteen months ago, RJ Hampton was one of the top high school prospects in the United States and was contemplating a college career at Kansas or Memphis. But after his name was connected with an agent, threatening his college eligibility, Hampton packed his bags and left his native Texas to move to New Zealand to play professionally in Australia's NBL.
Hampton's journey to the Pacific Rim certainly gave him experience playing against grown men, but the 19-year-old guard did not demonstrate the ability to dominate these grown men. This has placed doubt on his NBA prospects and after being a projected top pick earlier this year he is likely to be available in the middle of the first round.
That is where the Celtics will possibly be using the first of their three first round picks. Hampton has been connected to the Celtics as Danny Ainge has always shown an affinity for former top high school prospects who slide in the draft.
Hampton is a gifted scorer but does not presently have the type of 3-point range that NBA guards need to be elite scorers. His athleticism and ability to attack the basket offer the promise that he could develop into a player capable of scoring in bunches but at 19 his body and shot both need a lot of work and for the Celtics, who are hoping to contend for the NBA Championship in 2021, the idea of having a second straight top pick (Romeo Langford) spend the year in Portland playing in the G League is not ideal.
Teams will be enamored with Hampton, and it is tough to blame them. He is like a $30 scratch ticket that provides the holder with the dreams of riches. But the Celtics need more of a sure thing who can contribute immediately.
The Celtics do not need a slasher who needs to dominate the ball to create his offense right now. Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker fill that role. What they need is shooting on the wing or an athletic big man. Hampton does not fill either of those needs.
The hope here is that Ainge passes on Hampton next Wednesday.
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