**Bostonglobe.com / Celtics Beat Writer**

**Celtics rookie R.J. Hunter unveils a sharp basketball mind, naming-drop NBA All-Star Luka Doncic incident** He asked a reporter a question, got a list of choices, and picked a perennial All-Star with ease. Names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Anthony Davis were all fine by NBA fans asking the young Celtics guard the opening question of a Q&A. Antetokounmpo, James, Tatum (likely already a future Hall-of-Famer). Holiday, Draymond Green (is he still Boston bound?), Davis, Jimmy Butler (is he still relevant?), Damian Lillard. All legitimate choices, in the eyes of fans asking a rookie where he feels Chris Paul ranks among other point guards.

But Hunter wasn't waiting for the Patrick Beverley pick-up line often used to describe Paul's iconic speech impediment – though the reporter didn't ask that specific question. Hunter was asked to place Paul – how does the most electric operator on a young Celtics team see their rising guards compare to legends and current stars?

After cutting some grass on his heavily fertilized family lawn, calling a cousin in Canada after the All-Star break practice, then walking over to site for the team podcast, Hunter was sittin' alright behind the plate. He mulled it over in the air, tapped a gum cap... and then leaned in towards the microphone, juice box within reach. The reporter says the answer came quickly.

"Without hesitation," the reporter relayed, attempting to transcribe Hunter’s hyped voice live at his desk. "He said Luka Doncic."

And there it is. Not for a lack of suitable names (Steph Curry? Russell Westbrook? Jrue Holiday? Simmons?). Hunter, perhaps the most intriguing undrafted rookie in recent Celtics memory, secured the rooting public's affection with another highly visible moment. He’s electric on D. He’s perfecting, perhaps above all, the art of self-awareness. Introspection. Hard work. Calling out the best players in the world, straight up.

Some interpreted it as picking the Celtics' likely regular season MVP (alongside Smart, Tatum, Horford) over others he slightly may not know as much. But the optics were undeniably positive. Good choice, kid. Now, the mechanics: Hunter put on a clinic against a scrappy Raptors team last night, giving coach Ime Udoka a glimpse into the future. Tatum was the goat (easily), Smart the MVP (again?), Horford was an engine, and Al Horford is teaching them better defense than a trash can and leftover spaghetti.

The lack of Kyrie Irving, the importation of Juancho Hernangomez (more chatter, less impact so far?), and the arrival of new centers like Oshoala recall nights long ago. I don't envy the task, but let's say the Celtics look like they walk through the door unbothered, ready to start the climb again. Young players continue to pick up the slack. Down the road, R.J. Hunter and Dryan Wesley might be around this a lot. `Robert Williams III` gave a KFC. But Hunter's answer was concise, confident, and cogent – classic Muhammad Ali style without the flaws.

Maybe it also reflects a deeper understanding scarred by the Kyrie punchline. Tatum had to answer that long question last night about Sunnis vs Rainy Days. What might it mean? We’ll find out. Until then, good on R.J. Hunter for pulling off a tough play without looking like he’s even cracked open the playbook. He’s clearly picked up the floor spacing drill in practice. He’s learned to ball on defense too, and sprinkle in some butter if he feels so inclined. Good kid.

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