NBA: Role Players who could become stars elsewhere

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NBA role players who could become stars elsewhere: 9. Rui Hachimura

It is easy to forget the steps forward that Rui Hachimura made a season ago. He has yet to play so far this season, unfortunately coinciding with the best the Washington Wizards have had in a generation. However, that is no slight on the leap forward by Hachimura. While his time with the franchise may be nearing an end as he will likely be a piece moved in whatever win-now move they ultimately make, the franchise receiving him in the deal will be quite lucky.

In his second season in the league, Hachimura averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. His rebounding and assists took a slight dip in no small part due to the statistical gravitational force that is Russell Westbrook, but the second-year forward became even more noticeably comfortable in his role. He showed an increased ability to stretch the floor while shooting over 50 percent from inside the arc.

One of the rare players in the league who continues to thrive in the midrange, Hachimura is also continuing to take strides as a defensive player. His level of growth has only been curtailed by his current issues keeping him away from the court. Once he is able to get back on track, the team getting him in a trade will be getting one of the hardest workers imaginable. Hachimura should be the next in a long line of tall forwards to buck the trend away from the midrange.