Rui Hachimura

[NatP4]

I wonder if you could switch 1-5 and have Rui play a bunch of 5 because Russ gets all the rebounds. Russ-Beal-Avdija-Bonga-Rui

Basically just do what Brooks was doing with the backup SG position, eliminating it by playing multiple PGs, but do that with the backup C spot. Play Rui instead of Lopez, which frees up a handful of wing minutes for Bonga and Brown, maybe even Mathews.

I have never doubted that Rui will develop into a high level volume scorer. Can he rebound and be a plus defender?

[dckingsfan]

One positive (to me) about Rui coming back is that it "might" cut down on the Brooks' three PG failed experiment!?!

[NatP4]

I mean, it all sounds good. We’ll see

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[Ruzious]

I mean, it all sounds good. We’ll see

Read on Twitter

Space out? Nah, that's too much of a softball.

[payitforward]

I'm sure Sacramento likes Haliburton as much as you and I do. I don't think they'd trade him for Hachimura

Rui was picked higher than Hailburton in a draft that was considered better. And I don't think his value has declined since he was drafted.

Are you not too high on Hachimura or is it just that you like Haliburton more?

This board is somewhat divided on Hachimura. Most people loved the pick; a few of us disliked it. Those who loved it have gone on to be very positive on Rui. The few of us who didn't like it also mention the fact that he actually hasn't played very well.

I, in particular, am called a "Rui-hater" from time to time -- tho that's inaccurate, as I can't see why anyone would dislike him -- he seems like a great kid. &, obviously, I want him to become a terrific player & prove how stupid I was about him.

[payitforward]

I just realized the exact right way to characterize Rui at this moment, but it's so perfect that I have to put it behind a spoiler:

Spoiler:

Nah... not about Rui. I just wanted to wish all you other addicted Wizards fans a...

Happy New Year!

2021 has to be better than 2020. At least I sure hope so! Everyone stay safe & keep posting!

[AFM]

Glad to see you made it another year PIF. Happy New Year buddy.

[SA37]

Rui was picked higher than Hailburton in a draft that was considered better. And I don't think his value has declined since he was drafted.

Are you not too high on Hachimura or is it just that you like Haliburton more?

This board is somewhat divided on Hachimura. Most people loved the pick; a few of us disliked it. Those who loved it have gone on to be very positive on Rui. The few of us who didn't like it also mention the fact that he actually hasn't played very well.

I, in particular, am called a "Rui-hater" from time to time -- tho that's inaccurate, as I can't see why anyone would dislike him -- he seems like a great kid. &, obviously, I want him to become a terrific player & prove how stupid I was about him.

Interesting. I kind of thought that he'd be an "untouchable" for Washington given he has by far the most potential of any of the Wizards young guys (haven't seen enough of Avdija yet). I am not sure Hachimura will be a star, but he is very skillful and I would be shocked if he didn't become a really good pro. He also seems like a guy that would be great to have as far as building a culture in Washington.

[payitforward]

Are you not too high on Hachimura or is it just that you like Haliburton more?

This board is somewhat divided on Hachimura. Most people loved the pick; a few of us disliked it. Those who loved it have gone on to be very positive on Rui. The few of us who didn't like it also mention the fact that he actually hasn't played very well.

I, in particular, am called a "Rui-hater" from time to time -- tho that's inaccurate, as I can't see why anyone would dislike him -- he seems like a great kid. &, obviously, I want him to become a terrific player & prove how stupid I was about him.

Interesting. I kind of thought that he'd be an "untouchable" for Washington given he has by far the most potential of any of the Wizards young guys (haven't seen enough of Avdija yet). I am not sure Hachimura will be a star, but he is very skillful and I would be shocked if he didn't become a really good pro. He also seems like a guy that would be great to have as far as building a culture in Washington.

Oh, I think he absolutely is "untouchable" from the POV of our Front Office. & for sure he is a great kid. Plus, he has incredible marketing value, b/c he brings an audience & a market (for merch) that no one else brings.

Rui has a lot of natural gifts -- great size, really good athleticism, big mitts. But, he was late to start playing the game. He has shown a poor BBIQ to this point. He's going to improve significantly, no doubt. Which is a good thing, b/c he needs to. What his ceiling is... that's unknown.

[dckingsfan]

Rui was picked higher than Hailburton in a draft that was considered better. And I don't think his value has declined since he was drafted.

Are you not too high on Hachimura or is it just that you like Haliburton more?

This board is somewhat divided on Hachimura. Most people loved the pick; a few of us disliked it. Those who loved it have gone on to be very positive on Rui. The few of us who didn't like it also mention the fact that he actually hasn't played very well.

I, in particular, am called a "Rui-hater" from time to time -- tho that's inaccurate, as I can't see why anyone would dislike him -- he seems like a great kid. &, obviously, I want him to become a terrific player & prove how stupid I was about him.

I was absolutely with you on the Rui pick. I didn't want him. But last night, damn. I know it is a small sample size but I want to re-watch the game just to see that wrap-around pass again. Zero chance he can make that pass last year. And he looks soooooo much stronger from the start of last year (and that with the time off for the conjunctivitis).

I am thinking he is going to make me look very bad...

[pcbothwel]

This board is somewhat divided on Hachimura. Most people loved the pick; a few of us disliked it. Those who loved it have gone on to be very positive on Rui. The few of us who didn't like it also mention the fact that he actually hasn't played very well.

I, in particular, am called a "Rui-hater" from time to time -- tho that's inaccurate, as I can't see why anyone would dislike him -- he seems like a great kid. &, obviously, I want him to become a terrific player & prove how stupid I was about him.

Interesting. I kind of thought that he'd be an "untouchable" for Washington given he has by far the most potential of any of the Wizards young guys (haven't seen enough of Avdija yet). I am not sure Hachimura will be a star, but he is very skillful and I would be shocked if he didn't become a really good pro. He also seems like a guy that would be great to have as far as building a culture in Washington.

Oh, I think he absolutely is "untouchable" from the POV of our Front Office. & for sure he is a great kid. Plus, he has incredible marketing value, b/c he brings an audience & a market (for merch) that no one else brings.

Rui has a lot of natural gifts -- great size, really good athleticism, big mitts. But, he was late to start playing the game. He has shown a poor BBIQ to this point. He's going to improve significantly, no doubt. Which is a good thing, b/c he needs to. What his ceiling is... that's unknown.

I would say he is untouchable in the sense that no team would pay the asking price the Wiz would have. A 3/4 combo of Deni & Rui look dangerous. Offensively, Rui has a patience and effortless style that very few players ever show. Look at last nights game.
Plays 1 & 2: His shooting looked smooth from outside and without hesitation
Play 3: Catches the ball in transition and finishes through contact
Play 4: One dribble pull up looked like a layup it was so easy
Play 5: Jab step, pump fake, step through behind the back pass to Bryant that showed vision, patience, and coordination
Play 6: Backs down Lavine with zero effort and finishes through contact

Watch on YouTube

I see a guy with Antawn Jamison type player with more upside due to physical profile and shooting touch. (Rui shot 83% from the FT line last year, Antawn never shot 80% in 16 years).

I think he is a mix of Jamison and David West, but more efficient. He is physically almost identical to Kawhi and that's where his offensive peak is, with his defense somewhere between Jamison and West. Highly efficient scorer (TS in the 57-59 range) from all 3 levels. Given his/our timeline and his fit with Deni... Im sold on them two as our forwards moving forward.

[nate33]

I think he is a mix of Jamison and David West, but more efficient. He is physically almost identical to Kawhi and that's where his offensive peak is, with his defense somewhere between Jamison and West. Highly efficient scorer (TS in the 57-59 range) from all 3 levels. Given his/our timeline and his fit with Deni... Im sold on them two as our forwards moving forward.

I don't really like the Jamison or West comparison on defense. West was undersized without particularly long arms, and Jamison was stiff-hipped with no lateral agility. Both guys were capped physically in their defensive potential.

I think Rui is more like a longer-armed, harder-working Markieff Morris defensively. Rui moves well and has they physical tools to be an excellent defender and has actually done a pretty job as a one-on-one defender. His problems are mostly due to poor awareness and instincts in help defense and on the glass. It's like he has to think through every rotation.

I think there's a real good chance he will improve over time because at least he seems to care, and he has all the physical tools a good defender needs.

[nate33]

There was some good discussion on Rui in the Trade Thread. I moved it here.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Rui was picked higher than Hailburton in a draft that was considered better. And I don't think his value has declined since he was drafted.

Are you not too high on Hachimura or is it just that you like Haliburton more?

This board is somewhat divided on Hachimura. Most people loved the pick; a few of us disliked it. Those who loved it have gone on to be very positive on Rui. The few of us who didn't like it also mention the fact that he actually hasn't played very well.

I, in particular, am called a "Rui-hater" from time to time -- tho that's inaccurate, as I can't see why anyone would dislike him -- he seems like a great kid. &, obviously, I want him to become a terrific player & prove how stupid I was about him.

I’ve been a hater.

However, his box score one game played (17/5/3) has me very encouraged. I might be wrong again! Good.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

There was some good discussion on Rui in the Trade Thread. I moved it here.

Thanks!

[SA37]

Are you not too high on Hachimura or is it just that you like Haliburton more?

This board is somewhat divided on Hachimura. Most people loved the pick; a few of us disliked it. Those who loved it have gone on to be very positive on Rui. The few of us who didn't like it also mention the fact that he actually hasn't played very well.

I, in particular, am called a "Rui-hater" from time to time -- tho that's inaccurate, as I can't see why anyone would dislike him -- he seems like a great kid. &, obviously, I want him to become a terrific player & prove how stupid I was about him.

I’ve been a hater.

However, his box score one game played (17/5/3) has me very encouraged. I might be wrong again! Good.

The confessions are coming out...

I think Hachimura is going to change a lot for the Wizards in the coming weeks. He gives the Wizards some semblance of an inside presence on offense to balance the perimeter game. That should help open up a few open 3s for guys like Bertans and hopefully that'll get him back on track.

The Wiz have a tough 7 games coming up (outside of Minnesota who is without Towns), but after that they have a stretch of 4 or 5 games where Hachimura should be off his minutes restriction and I think those games will be a chance for the Wizards to string together some wins and start to establish a rotation going forward.

[tontoz]

That was certainly an impressive season debut. Being able to make 3s and play bully ball inside is a nice combo.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

This board is somewhat divided on Hachimura. Most people loved the pick; a few of us disliked it. Those who loved it have gone on to be very positive on Rui. The few of us who didn't like it also mention the fact that he actually hasn't played very well.

I, in particular, am called a "Rui-hater" from time to time -- tho that's inaccurate, as I can't see why anyone would dislike him -- he seems like a great kid. &, obviously, I want him to become a terrific player & prove how stupid I was about him.

I’ve been a hater.

However, his box score one game played (17/5/3) has me very encouraged. I might be wrong again! Good.

The confessions are coming out...

I think Hachimura is going to change a lot for the Wizards in the coming weeks. He gives the Wizards some semblance of an inside presence on offense to balance the perimeter game. That should help open up a few open 3s for guys like Bertans and hopefully that'll get him back on track.

The Wiz have a tough 7 games coming up (outside of Minnesota who is without Towns), but after that they have a stretch of 4 or 5 games where Hachimura should be off his minutes restriction and I think those games will be a chance for the Wizards to string together some wins and start to establish a rotation going forward.

When exactly is the Player Haters’ ball?

Watch on YouTube

[J-Ves]

An impressive 11.2 fta/36 in his first 2 games. He looks stronger.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Do we have a second go to scorer late in games?