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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
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 08: RJ Hampton #14 of the New Zealand Breakers could fit well for the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

R.J. Hampton’s Weaknesses

It’s easy to watch Hampton’s highlight reel and wonder how this guy isn’t the number one pick, but a closer look reveals a couple of troubling weaknesses.

The first is experience.

Hampton has only played 15 games as a professional after missing most of the NBL season with an injury.

He only played 20.6 minutes per game and averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 turnovers per game.

Hampton’s lack of scoring isn’t as troubling as his assist to turnover ratio, which is not great.

He turns the ball over too much for a primary ball handler, and often falls into the trap of trying for the spectacular pass rather than the easy one.

Related Story. 2020 NBA Draft profile: Obi Toppin. light

Hampton’s biggest weakness thus far though has to be shooting, as he has yet to show the type of volume or accuracy that most teams are looking for out of a guard.

Hampton shoots just 29.5 percent from behind the arc on just 2.9 attempts per game, numbers that will have to improve if he wants to be a starter in the league.

The good news is that the sample size is small and Hampton doesn’t have any huge problems with his shot, so there is every chance his outside shooting will improve with more reps and practice.

Hampton might not quite be ready to lead the Detroit Pistons and his shooting isn’t there yet, but the talent is.

The question is how does he fit with the future of the Detroit Pistons?