New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Tyler Herro-like targets in the NBA Draft

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Rj Hampton could be a dynamic scorer for the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: RJ Hampton could be the next Tyler Herro

RJ Hampton

The similarities between RJ Hampton and Tyler Herro are not as immediately noticeable. Hampton is more of a penetrator and slasher than a shooter and currently doesn’t have Herro’s range from behind the arc.

But remember, Herro was not a lights-out shooter in college and has actually shot the 3-ball better in the NBA on more attempts.

Hampton is a long combo guard who can play the two but also handle the ball. He could end up being a point guard in the NBA, but more than likely he’ll be like Herro, a two-guard who occasionally runs the offense.

Hampton is very quick and athletic and can get into the lane for his shot or pull up from the mid-range. Like I said, his 3-point shot isn’t there yet, but he is great at using change of pace off the dribble and getting into the lane, much like we’ve seen Herro do in the playoffs:

Hampton can shoot enough to keep teams respectable on defense and if they close out too hard, he just blows right by them.

Hampton is also a decent rebounder for his size, something that is important in the NBA, as teams are trying to find guys who can rebound then push in transition for easy buckets.

Transition basketball is a focal point on both ends of the floor and teams are looking for guys who can get it and go.

Hampton has the size, athleticism and quickness to be an effective scorer and playmaker. Once his shot improves, he will be a dynamic scorer who can get buckets in a variety of ways, just like Herro.