Knicks Draft: RJ Hampton had video call with New York brass
Could the New York Knicks target RJ Hampton in the 2020 NBA Draft?
Draft prospect RJ Hampton, who is projected as a late first round pick in many mocks, met with New York Knicks executives and scouts over a video conference call several weeks ago. The meeting was reported by Ian Begley of SNY.
Hampton, 19, played professionally this past season in the National Basketball League (NBL), which is based in Australia. Despite being a five-star recruit out of high school in Texas, he decided to sign a multi-year deal with the New Zealand Breakers that left him the option to jump to the NBA, as he hopes to do for the 2020-21 season.
The New York Post reported in May that Hampton was “under consideration” by the Knicks as a late lottery pick. It’s unclear how thinking might have changed since that time. The report came out before the Knicks learned they would select 8th from the lottery drawing. While there is no clear consensus on where each player from this draft class will fall in the upcoming draft – currently set for November 18 – most mocks have Hampton as a mid-to-late first round pick.
"If he can be a high 30, low 40 percent three-point shooter, he'll be one of the best guards in the league"
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 19, 2020
Could the Knicks target RJ Hampton in the NBA Draft? We discuss on The Putback with @IanBegley: https://t.co/mKMUcmTjO9
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One area the Knicks are focused on improving this offseason is shooting. Hampton – a 6-foot-5 combo guard – has spent much of the past seven months working with former NBA sharpshooter Mike Miller, per SNY. The two have spent time working on his perimeter shot, which he used sporadically during his playing time in the NBL.
Hampton has all of the athletic tools—what separates him from being a lottery pick versus a late first round selection is whether NBA scouts believe he can put everything together with the right development.
Sources: The NBA has sent teams revamped guidelines informing them that it is organizing the 2020 pre-Draft process (preliminary schedule Sept. 21-Oct. 16) — which will include 85 prospects conducting in-market medical exams, testing, and shooting 45-minute “Pro Day Video.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 17, 2020
The Knicks have been limited to video calls with prospects due to the restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this week, the Athletic reported the NBA has issued revised guidelines that will allow teams to conduct in-market medical exams and testing on draft prospects. The NBA will take video of on-court shooting drills and distribute to the teams.
Next. Projecting NYK roster with Chris Paul, Fred VanVleet. dark
New York has three picks in the upcoming draft, including two first round picks (8th, 27th) and an early second round pick (38th).