The Pistons were interested in R.J. Hampton leading up to the 2020 draft and even held an in-person interview with him, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports in a subscriber-only story.
Hampton, the 24th pick of that draft, wound up in a Pistons uniform this month after getting waived by Orlando. He played five scoreless minutes in his Detroit debut on Saturday but is glad to join GM Troy Weaver’s club.
“Troy’s a great dude,” the Pistons’ newcomer said. “Somebody that’s real, somebody that expects a lot from his players but also knows what it means to develop young guys. That’s something I look forward to, being in an organization that takes the time with players, takes the time to figure out the areas that they’re really good in and weaknesses and coming together and making it all fit. I think he’s great in that aspect and I’m excited about it.”
We have more from the Eastern Conference:
- Josh Hart admits he had some trepidation about being traded by Portland to the Knicks, wondering how he’d mesh with coach Tom Thibodeau. Hart has been pleasantly surprised, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes. “Coming here I didn’t exactly know how Thibs’ system was. But it worked out,” Hart said. He’s averaging 14.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists with his new team. Hart holds a $12.96MM option on his contract for next season, which he’s expected to turn down.
- Cam Thomas scored 22 points off the bench for the Nets on Sunday in a loss to the Hawks. Thomas is averaging 26.1 points per game this month but coach Jacque Vaughn says he’ll continue to use Thomas as an instant offense reserve, Brian Lewis of the New York Post tweets.
- The Knicks won’t have to deal with the Celtics’ second-leading scorer when the teams square off on Monday. Jaylen Brown is taking the night off for personal reasons, Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston tweets.
Thomas being a 6th man is miles above how he’s been used
Wish the Raptors could have snagged him. He’d fit in nicely averaging 20 plus off the bench right now
Let him get some run, he’ll be a star if he plays lock down D
He doesn’t play D or pass. That’s why he doesn’t play. There’s an interview where he was asked about passing and he just laughed. Also he said he’s a kobe guy meaning low iq. There’s plenty of reasons why he doesn’t play starter mins.
You mean lebron has low basketball IQ
Keep exposing yourself Luke. You did it for me. Thanks.
You mean 5 rings Low IQ? You mean one of the smartest and most interesting guys to play in the league?
Imagine saying a guy who chucked horrible mid ranges all the time and couldn’t read a defense and make a pass smart. 40% from the field for his career. You probably think demar derozan is a smart player too.
Thomas scores 40+ points three games in a row and then goes back to bench?
Wonder if this is a stand by Jaylen Brown against Dolan’s indiscriminate use of facial recognition to persecute his enemies? Brown is socially conscious and Dolan is out here silencing folks. It makes a lot of sense but hey, just a rumor folks…you heard it hear first.