Hoops Habit
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Rui Hachimura is poised for a big second year

By N.B. Lindberg

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards celebrates with Thomas Bryant #13 after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at Capital One Arena on November 08, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 08: Rui Hachimura #8 of the Washington Wizards celebrates with Thomas Bryant #13 after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at Capital One Arena on November 08, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Washington Wizards (Photo by Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images)
Washington Wizards (Photo by Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura had a standout campaign. Due to his underlying statistics, he seems poised for a serious sophomore bump.

The Washington Wizards should be pleased with Rui Hachimura’s rookie season. The forward out of Gonzaga averaged 13.5 points and 6.1 rebounds in 30.1 minutes per game. These numbers are impressive for any rookie, let alone one from the West Coast Conference where future NBA players are a dime a dozen. Even though Hachimura was 21 in his rookie season, not young by NBA lottery pick standards, there is reason to believe that he could be a late bloomer.

Hachimura grew up and played high school basketball in Japan, a nation long known for developing exceptional professional soccer and baseball players. However, the nation of 126 million has only produced three NBA players. As a consequence, Hachimura’s basketball education is likely well behind those of his American and European counterparts.

In his lone NBA season Hachimura is already, by far, the greatest Japanese basketball player in NBA history The fact that he was able to make the All-Rookie team, without consistently playing against the top high school or college talent, is a testament to his abilities.

The Wizards hope to bounce back into playoff contention in 2020-21 with the return of John Wall. While the Wizards’ backcourt will likely be the driving force for an improved record, Rui Hachimura’s development will ultimately determine their ceiling. Based upon his rookie season and a younger development age compared to his actual age, Rui Hachimura could see a serious sophomore bump and could help elevate the Wizards for seasons to come.

Home/Washington Wizards