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Boston Celtics Rookie Profile: R.J. Hunter

By Eric Laboissonniere

Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia State Panthers guard R.J. Hunter (22) looks to pass as Baylor Bears guard Al Freeman (25) defends in the second half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Georgia State defeated Baylor 57-56. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia State Panthers guard R.J. Hunter (22) looks to pass as Baylor Bears guard Al Freeman (25) defends in the second half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Georgia State defeated Baylor 57-56. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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There is no doubt that rookies can make an impact on a team in the NBA right away, and R.J. Hunter should be able to make a big impact on the Boston Celtics next season.

Hunter was taken by the Celtics late in the first-round of the 2015 NBA Draft, and many believed Hunter to be a steal at pick No. 28. Many mock drafts had Hunter going earlier than pick No. 28 because of his ability to shoot the basketball from just about anywhere on the court. He made a huge name for himself after the 2015 NCAA tournament, where he led the Georgia State Panthers to a huge upset over the Baylor Bears because of his improbable deep three-point dagger. His stock rose tremendously after that shot, but people who pay close attention to college basketball, particularly mid-major basketball knew about Hunter’s ability before the tourney.

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Hunter was forced to put up a lot of tough shots during his time in college because he was called on to score so often. This is why Hunter’s numbers and shooting percentages were not as good during his junior year in college, and he should shoot better and more efficiently as a rookie in the NBA because he does not have to force up shots to score.

Hunter’s role on the Celtics as a rookie

The Celtics are heading into next season with a crowded backcourt, but Hunter should be able to find some playing time because of his terrific shooting ability. The Celtics do not have many consistent three-point shooters on their team in the backcourt, which is why Hunter could be used a lot as a rookie. He has great length and vision as a shooting guard/wing as well. He can disrupt passing lanes, and play good defense on the perimeter, which is something that coach Brad Stevens will like.

Hunter will not be in the starting lineup for the Celtics next year because he still needs to add a little more weight if he wants to play big minutes for the Celtics in the future. He will be called upon to come in off the bench and add some much-needed scoring and shooting. Hunter should start off in the NBA next season, but do not be surprised if he spends some time in the NBA D-League just because there are a lot of players in the backcourt for the Celtics right now.

Overall

Hunter had an impressive stint in summer league, and the Celtics might have struck gold with drafting Hunter late in the first-round. He will need to show that he can get aggressive and physical on the offensive end, but he will have to put on some weight first before we start seeing Hunter in the starting lineup. Hunter is NBA ready with his shooting, ability to disrupt passing lanes, and because he has great length.

Hunter is going to be a familiar face on the Celtics for seasons to come because he is a hard-worker as well, which is something that the Celtics are going to love.

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