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.
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.
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.
R.J. Hampton’s Strengths
Hampton has the kind of size at 6-foot-5 that teams covet in the point guard position.
Guys like Lonzo Ball are showing that size matters when it comes to passing, as his height allows him to see the floor and make spectacular passes that smaller guards might not even see.
Hampton fits the Ball profile, as he is tall enough to see over smaller opponents and bully his way to the rim.
Getting to the rim and finishing are two of Hampton’s biggest strengths, as you can see here in highlights from one of his better games as a professional:
Hampton has the quickness and size to beat opponents off the dribble, finish with either hand and throw it down with authority, often looking like Ja Morant in the process.
He also profiles as a plus rebounder for his position, averaging 3.9 rebounds per game for the Breakers in only 20.6 minutes per game.
Hampton can play both on and off the ball and profiles as a playmaker more than a scorer, as he talks about here:
His speed and explosive athleticism should make him a tough cover in the open court, as well as in the pick-and-roll, where he can attack switches and get to the rim.
His size and length should allow him to defend both guard positions and would give the Pistons a lot of flexibility defensively, especially with defensive liability Luke Kennard on the floor.
He averaged 1.1 steals per game in a small sample size, but profiles as a guy who can get in passing lanes for deflections or steals and then get out on the break.
Hampton also has something the Pistons may need more than anything: swagger.
Detroit currently lack an identity and need players who have the confidence to be leaders on the floor.
Let’s face it, the Pistons also need guys who can put people in the seats and an exciting, athletic point guard like Hampton could instantly be a fan favorite.
Hampton has the upside potential the Detroit Pistons are looking for, but also comes with some glaring weaknesses.
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.
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?
How does he fit in with the Pistons’ future?
As a team that will never draw a big name free agent, the Pistons need to shoot for high ceiling players in the draft.
Taking a risk on talent is the only way the Pistons will ever going to land the superstar player that they need to rebuild the franchise from one of its lowest points.
The Pistons lack talent and depth at every position, so they don’t have the luxury of drafting for need, they just need to take the guy with the most talent.
That just might be Hampton.
He’s the most polarizing player in the draft, as some have him ranked as low as 11th, while others put him in the top five.
Hampton clearly has the talent, but has more bust potential than some of the other point guards in the draft.
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Luckily Detroit is in no hurry, as there is no way they are going to compete anytime soon, so they can take a risk on Hampton’s talent and give him time to develop.
He fits in well with shooting guard Kennard, as Hampton should be able to cover some of Kennard’s defensive deficiencies and set him up for plenty of open looks.
A backcourt of Hampton and Bruce Brown would be limited offensively but offers some high upside potential on defense.
The Pistons could potentially have two elite defenders at the guard position, which is something most teams are looking for.
Hampton is the type of “swing for the fences” pick that the Detroit Pistons should go for and his timeline fits well with fellow project Sekou Doumbouya.
There is a lot to like about Hampton and if he is there when the Detroit Pistons pick, they should give him serious consideration.
Whenever it is exactly that they NBA Draft is held this year, he’ll likely be on their radar.