Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: 25. RJ Hampton, New York Knicks
Original pick: Immanuel Quickley
Knicks 2020 starting lineup
- Elfrid Payton
- Reggie Bullock
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Nerlens Noel
New Knicks 2020 starting lineup
- Elfrid Payton
- Reggie Bullock
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Nerlens Noel
Unfortunately for Knicks fans, they lose out on Immanuel Quickley in this re-draft. However, they end up taking two solid guards instead – Killian Hayes at eight and RJ Hampton at 25.
Hampton got traded halfway through the season last year, but being in Orlando ended up being a blessing for him. He got a much better opportunity to prove himself, despite playing under Steve Clifford.
In Denver, Hampton was constantly fighting for minutes, but once he got to the Magic, he earned them. Clifford usually prefers to play veterans, but Hampton was able to crack the rotation on a consistent basis.
A lot of people were disappointed in his play during his time in Australia, but the potential is still clearly there. He has great upside and could be an amazing combo guard in the future.
The Knicks get a solid replacement for Quickley in Hampton. Hopefully, he can live up to his full potential in the coming years.