Sacramento Kings draft target: RJ Hampton, G, New Zealand
Like Saddiq Bey, RJ Hampton is someone I believe will slip down this draft due to a lack of publicity. Skipping college was always going to hinder his stock, but it’s interesting to see how much higher people are rating LaMelo Ball, who like Hampton, chose to skip college and play in the Australian NBL.
For those that don’t know, like most international leagues, the NBL is a grown man’s league. Many proven NBA veterans have finished out their careers in the league like Aaron Brooks, Andrew Bogut, and Al Harrington to name a few. So although kids like Ball and Hampton are quicker and more skilled, they often struggle with the physicality – and that’s exactly what happened with Hampton.
RJ is someone who I believe can contribute immediately as a backup combo guard, bringing versatility off the bench. While his 3-point shot is still needing improvement, his natural physical ability is not a question. He is lighting quick on the break and if he can learn to control that, he and De’Aaron Fox could become a deadly one-two punch.
Playing in New Zealand I was able to see first hand the sort of talent Hampton possesses. While it’s hard to judge his skill fairly against fully grown men, his battle with LaMelo Ball gave the best indication. Savagely blocking LaMelo at the rim, speeding up and down the court in transition, and showing a willingness to find open teammates are all great indicators that he has the ability to be a very capable player.
What’s more is that by drafting a backup guard, the Kings could look to move on from Cory Joseph who is currently being well overpaid for what he brings to the team.