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NBA Draft 2020: Wizards interview Precious Achiuwa and R.J. Hampton

Both the former Memphis center and New Zealand Breakers guard are projected to be selected in the first round by many mock drafts. But they may also be reaches for the Wizards.

By Albert Lee
Wichita State v Memphis
Precious Achiuwa spoke to the Wizards during the NBA Draft Combine period.

The Washington Wizards are active in the NBA Draft Combine period which started this past Monday. They also interviewed Memphis post Precious Achiuwa and New Zealand Breakers guard R.J. Hampton yesterday, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.

Both prospects are projected to be first round draft picks, though they will likely be selected later in the first round. In August, Matt Modderno wrote a detailed draft profile on what Achiuwa could give the Wizards if he were drafted and also concurred with that sentiment.

If Washington selects Achiuwa, whether at No. 9 or elsewhere, he would add athleticism to the post rotation. His size seems to overlap a bit with now sophomore forward Rui Hachimura’s, but Achiuwa could play center a bit more comfortably, especially in smaller lineups.

Hampton is entering the NBA Draft after playing 15 games in an injury-shortened season for the New Zealand Breakers of the NBL where he averaged 8.8 points per game. While he has spoken to numerous teams, Hampton’s addition to Washington could make things interesting given that John Wall and Bradley Beal are still going to play together, at least in the short term.

That said, if the Wizards do not play well next season, it’s possible there could be some major trades that would presumably move him to the starting lineup.