Getty Images
R.J. Hunter is already the best shooter on the Boston Celtics. They desperately needed a knock-down shooter and got just that with Hunter. As an added bonus, Hunter has tremendous range. The Celtics averaged over 21 three-point attempts per game in the postseason, and they hit a measly 25 percent of them. They missed countless open looks, and were one or two clutch makes from stealing a game from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hunter can not only provide buckets, but he can provide clutch buckets.
Guards like Marcus Smart, Isaiah Thomas and now Terry Rozier all have the ability to beat defenders off the dribble and attack the basket. The lanes are only going to get larger with a reliable shooter like Hunter on the outside. The shooting numbers were a little down for Hunter last year, but he shot over 50 percent from inside the arc in his college career, and 35 percent from three.
Not only is Hunter a good spot-up shooter, he’s even better coming off screens in a catch-and-shoot situation. He also is an underrated passer with good decision making skills. He can create opportunities for his teammates, as well as himself, off of the dribble. His length gives him the potential to be a disruptive defender. Another positive with Hunter is that he comes from a basketball family. With his father having over 20 years of coaching experience, Hunter has a very high basketball IQ.
Hunter has the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the Celtics. With the Celtics selecting two guards in the first round, one has to assume they are ready to target big men in free agency.
Derek McVay is a Boston Celtics beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @mcvay34, or add him to your network on Google.
