[jwplayer gUn7mWDC]
RJ Hampton made clear early on in the draft process, he still believes he can have a significant impact on an NBA franchise even though he has slipped significantly on some draft boards.
“I went overseas, I learned a lot, I didn’t have superior numbers and I was kind of forgotten about,” Hampton said back in September. “The message that I was trying to get across is, ‘I’m still that same player. I’m still that player that can get you 20-25 points, 6-7 assists, be that lead guard and a franchise changer.'”
One team that likes what Hampton is saying and doing is the Nets.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, “Brooklyn is extremely interested in Hampton if he falls to No. 19.” Also, “Hampton has impressed teams during workouts with his work ethic and form on his jump shot.”
Hampton is expected to go just outside the lottery, so the Nets should have a chance at him. But if the guard continues to impress, it’s hard to imagine other teams won’t also want to take a risk on a player who was once viewed as a potential top-five pick.