moocow007 wrote:
Hampton as a 6'6", 6'7" athletic PG would be potentially great. Problem? I honestly do not see a PG, at least not at the NBA level. Hampton has loose handles and does not possess great ball control. The last guy I said this about was Kris Dunn who some folks on this board was glowing over as a potential PG of the future for the Knicks if they somehow managed to get into a position to draft him.
You may be able to get by as a PG with subpar handles in HS. You can probably do that in college. You can probably live with that in New Zealand (where Hampton played). But you simply cannot live with that in the NBA especially if you don't have a scorer skill and mind set which Hampton does not.
Other than being hyped in HS, athletic and kinda lengthy (he's got short arms...6'7" wingspan for a 6'7"player isn't good at all) though which nullifies some of that "nice height for a PG" bit) that doesn't really handle the ball cleanly, that can't really shoot from outside, that really can't create his own shot consistently and that is still suspect defensively and from a physicality standpoint.
If you compare him to LaMelo Ball, Ball not only played in the more competitive league (Australia) against better competition, he also started and carried the load for the IHawks as their lead guy. Hampton, despite playing the weaker league (New Zealand pro ball) and against worse competition, was more of a secondary player despite supposedly being a PG. Sure the team composition and coaching view point mattered but if Hampton really was that skilled I would think he'd have played more and been given a bigger role. And Ballis younger than Hampton. No Hampton isn't Ball but he also should have shown more than he did.
Even his highlight vids are underwhelming to be quite honest and it's hard to make highlight reels blah.
Does he have potential? Sure. But is it because of the HS hype and the mystery generated by Covid or is it really worthwhile potential? I can't honesty picture his role in the NBA. As a dunker? He's not that great and his frame is suspect against NBA competition. He's an ok but inconsistent defender. He doesn't shoot well, he can't really create his own shot off the dribble. Honestly, closest comp is a slower Dante Exum, a guy that may physically look real interesting and comes with hype but that can't shoot and can't create off the dribble due to loose handles and ho hum intensity.
Not disputing any of your analysis but Ball and Hampton played in the same league. One just played on a team based in New Zealand and other Australia.