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The 2020 NBA Draft is approaching and despite the coronavirus pandemic, we need to start looking at prospects and where they might land. After the NBA Draft Lottery takes place, teams will know where they’re selecting in the first round. Even though we don’t know where each team will pick, there’s no reason we can’t start speculating where prospects will end up on draft night. In this segment, we’ll be looking at each top prospect and breaking down their best and worst possible destination in the 2020 NBA Draft.
RJ Hampton, G/F, New Zealand
Best possible destination: Dallas Mavericks
Hampton was a top-notch recruit before electing to go play pro ball for the New Zealand Breakers instead of going to college last year. The 6’5” combo guard is coming off a hip injury and failed to put up impressive numbers overseas, but has the kind of athleticism and secondary playmaking that a lot of teams could use. He might not be a lottery pick, but could end up being a steal in the back half of the first round.
Hampton is a Texas native and admired the pro experience Luka Doncic gained before being drafted by the Mavericks. He could join a player he looks up to and provide depth on the wing. Doncic is the only Dallas player who averaged more than four assists per game last season. Hampton can’t immediately become an impact player, but could learn to develop shooting consistency and defensive skills on a team looking to push for a title run in the near future.
Worst possible destination: Cleveland Cavaliers
A team could be willing to select Hampton with a top 10 or 11 pick, but the Cavaliers will probably end up with a top five selection. If they miss out on elite frontcourt talent somehow, they shouldn’t look to Hampton for answers.
Cleveland has two undersized combo guards in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. Neither player appears to be a natural passer. Hampton has more length and explosiveness than Sexton and Garland, but all three are below average defenders. The Cavaliers wouldn’t add a new dimension to their team by drafting Hampton, and the young guard would struggle to establish a role on a team with such a crowded backcourt.