The NBA has now cleared teams to scout practices featuring 2020 draft lottery prospect RJ Hampton of the NBL New Zealand Breakers in Memphis this week, clearing the way to do the same for LaMelo Ball as well, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
The league office had sent a memo to all 30 NBA teams, reminding them of the no-contact rules with prospects who have yet to declare for the NBA Draft, which is the case for Ball and Hampton.
Ball is the No. 3 prospect in ESPN's recent September mock draft, while Hampton — also a point guard — is ranked sixth overall for the upcoming draft.
Article Continues BelowTwenty-seven teams attended the NBL Blitz showcase in which Ball took part last month, which could be subject to penalty if the league finds grounds for violation of the no-contact rules. Given that the league allowed for the scouting of both of these players, that seems unlikely to happen at this point.
The Breakers' tour of the U.S. gives NBA teams a unique chance to evaluate Hampton on his home soil — better yet, to do so in an NBA arena.
Up to 70 representatives from NBA teams have RSVP'd to attend the pro day for projected No. 1 pick James Wiseman of the Memphis Tigers on Monday afternoon. Most expect those same scouts to continue on to the Memphis Grizzlies' practice facility immediately after to attend Breakers practice to scout Hampton, now that the NBA has cleared them to do so.