The Boston Celtics have met virtually with University of Houston prospect Nate Hinton, according to Forbes Sports’ Chris Grenham.
A 6-foot-5 wing who led his team in rebounding with 8.7 per game (yes, really) and finishing among the top five in offensive and defensive rebounding in the American Athletic Conference, Hinton has a high motor and — according to Grenham — an improved 3-point shot.
And it wasn’t that bad to begin with, the Gastonia, North Carolina native connecting on 38.7% of his 3.8 attempts per game in his sophomore season.
A good defender who generates 1.4 steals per contest even against larger opponents with his physical, handsy approach to on-ball defense, and is a smart off-ball defender who anticipates plays well.
The Celtics have met virtually with Houston’s Nate Hinton, per source.
High-character guy with a great motor and solid versatility. His improved 3-point shooting and release could make him a second-round steal. Really underrated prospect people need to keep an eye on.
— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) October 23, 2020
His handle could use work, but his role won’t be as a primary ball-handler in the NBA anyway, so it’s not an area of urgent concern.
The Houston wing put up 10.6 points per game and 2 assists per game in his final season with the Cougars, and while he could get to the line more than his 2.9 attempts per tilt last season, he shoots a solid career 80% from the stripe.
Slotted towards the end of the second round in most mocks, Hinton could make a solid pickup for the Celtics’ No. 47 pick.
