[jwplayer kBav5MVx]
After Will Weaver spent a deal of time with the Brooklyn Nets organization — during which he served as both an assistant coach at the NBA level and a head coach in the G League for the Long Island Nets — he made the move to Australia’s National Basketball League for the 2019-20 season to take on the role of head coach for the Sydney Kings.
While overseas, Weaver was able to coach against two players who are expected to be selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft: LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton. Oddly enough, the pair could both soon call New York home, should Ball slip to the Knicks at No. 8 and Hampton the Nets at No. 19.
During his appearance on The Wingspan Podcast, Weaver made clear these two ex-NBL players have what it takes to make an impact in the NBA.
“I think that those of us that have [had] the opportunity to sit, get to know and work with, and try to maximize the odds of that happening for a number of talented youngsters appreciate just what a hard climb that is. Butm in LaMelo’s case, specifically — and throw RJ in the same category — the tools are remarkable.
Weaver also added both Hampton and Ball’s “shooting can improve a lot,” which is a must given they’re both guards.
“I think there is a reason to be excited about both of those guys, but the arc of development is long and the context that these guys go into matters so much. Everything I’ve heard is very positive about their likelihood of taking advantage of those opportunities.”
Weaver also added about Hampton:
“RJ, I’d say, his athletic traits are even stronger. So, where he goes and what his ceiling is like as a defender I think is quite high.”