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2020 NBA Draft: R.J. Hampton works out for the Denver Nuggets

By Quenton S. Albertie

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 26: RJ Hampton of the Breakers makes a lay-up during the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and the New Zealand Breakers at Melbourne Arena on October 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 26: RJ Hampton of the Breakers makes a lay-up during the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and the New Zealand Breakers at Melbourne Arena on October 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets may be looking to add point guard R.J. Hampton to their roster during the 2020 NBA Draft.

According to The Athletic’s Alex Schiffer, the Denver Nuggets have hosted a pre-draft workout for former New Zealand Breakers point guard R.J. Hampton.

Hampton, one of the better-known prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft, is considered to by many to be a mid-to-late first-round pick.

The Nuggets’ depth at point guard is seen as one of their strengths due to Jamal Murray’s superstar rise, the steadiness of backup point guard Monte Morris and the combination of physical skills and basketball IQ possessed by P.J. Dozier.

However, as Murray is a combo guard, Morris’ contract isn’t fully guaranteed until Nov. 20, and Dozier is relatively inexperienced, Denver could stand to add another lead guard to the roster. This is particularly true in light of recent reports that paint the Nuggets as a legitimate trade destination for New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday.

In such a deal, it’s highly possible that one or both of Morris and Dozier are dealt away as Denver secures their veteran leader.

The athletic Hampton is 19-years-old but he’s an experienced, crafty and controlled ball-handler. Able to make an impact on both ends because of his physical tools (he’s 6’4″ with a 6’7″ wingspan) and basketball IQ, Hampton is a fiery competitor but still needs to refine his shooting touch and in-between game.

For the Nuggets, he could be a long-term option as a backup point guard and be trusted as a spot-starter.

While playing in the NBL last season (17 games), Hampton averaged 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 21.3 minutes per game while shooting 41.7% from the field and 29.4% from 3-point range. In 2018-19, playing for the AAU’s Mudiay Elite, Hampton averaged 24.6 points, 6.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 31.8 minutes per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 33.3% from three.

Next. Nuggets host Josh Green, Zeke Nnaji for workouts. dark

Comparisons to current NBA guard Dante Exum , the fifth overall pick in 2014, are fair but not the most inspiring.