Miami Heat Waive Former First Round Pick

This former Denver Nuggets player is now a free agent

It was announced recently that the Miami Heat waived 2020 first round pick R.J. Hampton to make room on their roster for the addition of a possible two-way signing:

With the deadline next month for signing two-way players, the Heat are waiving RJ Hampton, opening a two-way roster spot on a roster that also has a vacant standard roster spot. Hampton has been uneven in his recent G League minutes.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) February 9, 2024

Starting his career with the Denver Nuggets, Hampton has yet to emerge into the player he projected to become as a first round pick. While Hampton was selected late in the first round at 24th, he has yet to show any real consistency at the NBA level, which has led to him bouncing around the league.

Hampton's time in Denver was short, playing just 25 games for the Nuggets before being traded to the Orlando Magic as part of the Aaron Gordon trade. Needless to say, this has worked out great for Denver, as Gordon has been a massive piece to their success, including their championship run last season.

Now a free agent, Hampton is looking for a new NBA home after being waived by Miami. Hampton played just 8 games for the Heat this season, averaging 1.3 PPG on 28.6% from the field in 9.5 minutes per contest.

Having just turned 23 years old, perhaps Hampton can land somewhere that gives him an extended opportunity. It's been a tough go for him so far at the NBA level, but he is still very young, and could still develop into a solid player at some point.

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