R.J. Hunter looks like he belongs in NBA debut
Brad Stevens hinted to reporters before Wednesday’s game that rookie R.J. Hunter might make his Celtics debut against the Indiana Pacers.
“He’s not far from not only getting a chance, but being an impactful guy,’’ Stevens told reporters in Indiana.
With Marcus Smart sidelined due to a sprained left toe, Hunter got his chance in his home state, with his father and former coach Ron Hunter watching from courtside.
The shooting guard did not fill up the box score in his first taste of game action, but he proved a useful piece for Stevens on the second unit for at least one night. Stevens played all 12 players that were active on the roster, but stuck with Hunter for 13 minutes.
The former Georgia State star had just two points on 1-of-2 shooting, but played well within the offense. His shooting ability helped Boston spread the floor and produce better looks for his teammates, as shown by his team-high plus/minus of plus-eight.
Hunter also had a key fourth quarter score taken away from him after a questionable charge call that dad wasn’t a fan of.
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Despite the turnover, the response to Hunter’s play on social media was overwhelmingly positive.
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The 22-year-old still has plenty to work on, especially on the defensive end. His father actually called him out during an in-game interview with CSNNE’s Abby Chin for missing a defensive assignment in the first half.
Still, on a team that’s searching for some consistency and reliable shooting on the offensive end, Hunter looked like he belonged on an NBA court. He may be seeing more opportunities soon, even after Smart returns from his toe injury.
Photos: Meet the 2015-16 Boston Celtics
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