5 roster moves the Washington Wizards need to make this offseason

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 30: Kyle Kuzma #33 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 scores against the Orlando Magic at Capital One Arena on March 30, 2022 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 G Fiume/Getty Images) /

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Apr 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura (8) after his dunk against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Offseason roster moves the Washington Wizards need to make: 4. Pick up Rui Hachimura’s team option

While Rui Hachimura is eligible for his rookie extension, the Wizards should probably not sign him to it just yet. It is not a question of Hachimura’s talent or ability when he is able to hit the court, it is how often he is not able to take to the floor due to injury.

Hachimura has only managed to play more than 50 games once in his three seasons. That was in the 2020-21 season, where he managed to play 57 games. Hachimura played 48 games in his rookie season and then only 42 last season. This is just not enough for the Wizards to commit any long-term money to.

The young forward is developing into a solid stretch-four when he plays. His three-point shooting has gone from 28.7 percent in his rookie season to 32.8 percent in his sophomore season, and then 44.7 percent last season. Last season’s number may have been helped by Hachimura dropping out of the starting lineup for all but 13 games.

If the Porzingis experiment works out, then there will be less court time on offer for Hachimura. The Wizards need to develop an understanding with Hachimura, that they will re-sign him at the end of the season if he can get his body right.

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