ORLANDO, FLA- As stated by Senior Lead NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Orlando Magic (24-35, 13th in East) have officially waived guard RJ Hampton, who was in the midst of his third season in the NBA. In a corresponding move, Orlando has also converted Admiral Schofield’s contract into a standard NBA contract, which was formerly a two-way contract before February 21st.
Based on past events and actions, it was only a matter of time until Orlando waived Hampton, who simply fell out of Orlando’s crowded backcourt rotation. According to The Orlando Sentinel’s Khobi Price, Hampton requested multiple G League Assignments with Orlando’s Affiliate Team in Lakeland to receive more playing time. The assignment was in the best interest of both Hampton and the Magic, as Hampton was not traveling with the team for the last two weeks.
While in the G-League, Hampton has showcased his breathtaking two-way potential that made him the No. 24 pick in the 2020 NBA draft by Milwaukee. In eight games with Lakeland, Hampton averaged 27.2 MPG, 22.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, and 0.6 SPG while shooting 46.3% from the field and 28.1% from three-point range.
While in Orlando, however, Hampton never solidified his role as a two-way guard, partly because of the Magic’s deep rotation of guards. Between Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Gary Harris, Hampton was simply overshadowed and was seen as expendable. Per Sports Reference, Hampton averaged 13.9 MPG, 5.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG, and 1.3 APG in 26 games, all career lows as part of the Magic.
In reference to the aforementioned transaction, Hampton is just the latest player that Orlando has parted ways with over the last three weeks. First and foremost, the Magic traded center Mo Bamba to the Lakers for veteran guard Patrick Beverley and a 2024 unprotected second-round pick (Via DEN) at the 2023 NBA trade deadline. Just three days later, Orlando bought out Beverley’s contract, allowing him to sign with Chicago as an unrestricted free agent. Similarly, the Magic also bought out veteran forward Terrence Ross’ contract, which let Ross sign with Phoenix to pursue his first NBA championship.
As an unrestricted free agent, Hampton will have the choice to sign with any other NBA team ahead of the March 1st deadline. At just 21 years old, Hampton should garner plenty of interest as a potential developmental project with a small price tag. Standing at 6’4″ and 175 pounds, Hampton is an extremely athletic guard with decent skills as an on-ball defender who actually had one of the best shooting seasons of his career.
For reference, Hampton shot 43.9% from the field, 34.0% from three-point range, 83.8% from the free-throw line, and 51.8% on effective field goals, all career-bests. Due to this, Detroit has reportedly signed Hampton for the rest of the 2022-2023 season, which makes sense, based on the overall direction of their respective roster.
With the absence of Hampton, Orlando decided to convert Schofield’s two-way contract to a standard NBA contract for the remainder of the season. Over the past two seasons, Schofield has played a considerable amount with Orlando, suiting up in 65 games for the Magic. As part of the Magic, Schofield has averaged a respectable 13.0 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, and 0.2 SPG while shooting 44.3% from the field, 33.1% from three-point range, and 85.3% from the free-throw line.
The Orlando Magic are waiving guard RJ Hampton, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 21, 2023