Detroit Pistons: Is RJ Hampton worth the risk if they drop in draft lottery?

Comps and fit

Two of the three most common comparisons for Hampton are what give me the pause to say he is not the pick for me. Dante Exum has teased potential for years with the Utah Jazz and Rodrigue Beaubois did the same with the Dallas Mavericks before him. They both had the athleticism and potential to be a star in the league and due to injuries, lack of success and a myriad of other reasons they always ended up leaving everyone wanting.

However, if he ends up being like the other most common comparison, Will Barton, he fits this roster very well. He has the potential to be a smart playmaker who could get Pistons Christian Wood, Luke Kennard and Svi Mykhailiuk the ball on the perimeter so that they can take advantage of gaps in the defense. He could also play well off the ball, allowing him to pair with Derrick Rose or Bruce Brown, should the Pistons still want to develop him as a primary ball-handler.

If he reaches his defensive potential it is a home run selection. For all the positives of the aforementioned Pistons, only Bruce Brown is a positive defender. Like Hampton, Sekou Doumbouya is a raw prospect who profiles as someone who could excel at both ends of the floor should he reach his potential.

Finding the right fit for RJ Hampton is the most important factor in his development. Personally I do not believe that is in Detroit, but he should also not be written off to the extent that we see so many already doing.