The New York Knicks are looking through multiple scenarios in this year’s NBA draft, and reportedly have interest in yet another RJ. Combo-guard RJ Hampton has caught the Knicks interest as a potential fit if they were to pick 6-10 in the lottery, sources told Marc Berman of the New York Post.
RJ Hampton is one of the most interesting prospects in the upcoming draft. The 6’5 guard was an elite high school athlete and consensus 5-star, top 6 in the country recruit. Hampton however, ultimately decided to forgo college and signed a contract with the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League, Australia’s highest level of basketball.
Hampton hadn’t exactly dominated the league. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, shooting 40.7 percent from the field in 15 games. However, there are some scouts that believe Hampton was misused in the Australian league and could be undervalued.
What scouts love most is Hampton’s versatility. He can score at 3 levels and distribute. Where he will land in the draft is unclear. There are some who believe the lack of pre-draft workouts and analysis this year could make Hampton plummet in the draft, and even be available towards the end of the first round. Perhaps if the Knicks fall in love with Hampton, they could even trade up from the Clippers’ pick to acquire him.