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Detroit Pistons 2020 NBA Draft Profile: R.J. Hampton

By Aaron Kellerstrass

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: RJ Hampton of the Breakers looks on during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: RJ Hampton of the Breakers looks on during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
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R.J. Hampton, Detroit Pistons
RJ Hampton of the Breakers could be a fit for Detroit Pistons (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /

If the Detroit Pistons decide to take a gamble on a player with upside, then R.J. Hampton from the New Zealand Breakers might be their guy.

It didn’t seem like the 2019-20 season could get much worse for the Detroit Pistons.

They weren’t winning, they traded most of their good players and were mired in the misery of a full tank.

Then things got worse, for everyone.

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The NBA announced the season would be suspended, with the most optimistic hoping for a June return, but preparing for the worst, the cancellation of the season.

Without the benefit of a crystal ball, it is unclear how the hiatus or potential cancellation will affect things like the draft, free agency or the salary cap.

These are truly unprecedented times, but it is nice to get an escape and focus on basketball and the Pistons, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

The Pistons are clearly in rebuilding mode and will look to the 2020 NBA Draft to start to restock their coffers with young talent.

The Pistons are currently the 5th worst team in the NBA, so will have a good shot at a top-five pick in the next draft.

Most agree that Detroit needs a point guard, as they will go into next season with only veteran Derrick Rose signed at the position.

Luckily, there are a bevy of good point guard in an otherwise weak draft.

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Most fall into the “solid but not spectacular” range of players, but there are a couple of guys with high upside, including R.J. Hampton from the New Zealand Breakers.

Hampton will be one of the most controversial players in the draft, as he has shown enough high-end upside to get teams salivating, but also has clear and glaring weaknesses that might give some pause.

With the Pistons searching for high-ceiling talent, they might roll the dice on point guard Hampton.

Let’s take a look at his strengths, weaknesses and how he might fit in Detroit.