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Trail Blazers NBA Draft prospect: R.J. Hunter

By David MacKay

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R.J. Hunter among NBA Draft prospects for Portland Trail Blazers (23rd pick)

Jan 24, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia State Panthers guard R.J. Hunter (22) attempts a free throw in the second half of their game against the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at GSU Sports Arena. Georgia State won 75-64. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Player: R.J. Hunter
College: Georgia State
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 185
Wingspan: 6’10.5”
Age: 21

*All information current*

R.J. Hunter has been linked to the Portland Trail Blazers in a couple of mock drafts thus far, with highly polarized reactions. Though I am of the opinion that Hunter is not the right fit for this team, he will be considered for good reason. Some believe him to be the kind of 3-point specialist Portland likes, and even needs. What else can he offer the Trail Blazers?

Offense

Hunter is one heck of a marksman, with a penchant for nailing deep threes. He has the kind of range that most players only dream of as they start their professional careers. Not only that, it comes from a very quick shot that is tough to defend. He likes to shoot off the dribble, so he is a constant threat to either pull up or drive. Since he reads defenses well, it is not uncommon for him to penetrate and find open shooters on the kick, rather than attack the rim with his lean frame.

Defense

Hunter’s biggest asset on defense is his length, which he uses to bother shooters in any range. Great instincts for invading passing lanes are a plus as well, when combined with his impressive wingspan. He is not bad off-ball. On-ball, however, is a problem. Hunter gets rag-dolled by even the slightest contact and struggles to contain players of larger build. Soon to be 22 years old, there is little hope that he can fill out enough to solve this problem.

Biggest strengths

Every discussion about Hunter’s skills circles back to that 3-point shot. When he is on, the guy can be lights-out from anywhere on the floor. This is great, but I find it even more encouraging that he is a smart and willing passer. Sometimes he will receive the ball in a hairy situation and, in the blink of an eye, zing it to his teammate that the defense forgot when they collapsed middle. This is a skill the Trail Blazers value, as getting open shots in the corners make their offense what it is.

Biggest weaknesses

The reason we know Hunter has crazy range is because he takes crazy shots. He had better stop jacking up 28-footers with 10 seconds on the shot clock once he’s in the NBA. They only contribute to his unspeakable streakiness and further solidify his reputation as a nearly exclusive jump shooter. Even though he can get to the paint at times, he cannot finish through contact and would rather avoid it with a predictable shot selection. Most of his problems stem from the fragility of his frame. He cannot be deemed versatile on either offense or defense because of this.

College statistics

Hunter averaged 19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game for the Panthers in 2014-15. Those are great numbers, but keep the level of competition in mind. The Sun Belt isn’t exactly the Big 12 or the ACC. Questions remain regarding how much of his game will translate. His impressive 3-point percentage dipped from 39.5% in 2013-14 to 30.5% in 2014-15, raising concerns that even his specialty may not end up so special.

Overall fit

I think Hunter’s 3-point shooting gives the false impression that he is a good fit for the Trail Blazers. Yes, the Trail Blazers like their floor spacing, but they also like their perimeter defense. Hunter struggles to contain anyone of a heavier weight class, which will be almost everybody in the pros. Former Trail Blazer Jamal Crawford has 15 lbs on this guy for goodness sake. This would be almost permissible if Hunter demonstrated more consistency within his niche, but I think there are teams that he is better suited to contribute to.

R.J. Hunter highlight via NCAA March Madness

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