Rui Hachimura

[prime1time]

Check out rui journey from childhood leading up to now.

Watch on YouTube

Wow, had no idea that he use to look like that. Crazy how much muscle he added!

[Jimmy Recard]

Stopped watching ncaa years ago, so don’t know much about his game outside of watching some highlights on YouTube after the draft. I like what I saw offensively, and I think he’ll develop a consistent 3 ball at some point. A bit concerned about his defense though, and the fact that it looks like he’ll be strictly a 4 at the nba level, too small for the 5 and not agile enough for the 3...how accurate are the comparisons to ‘Tawn I keep seeing?

[truwizfan4evr]

The Japanese freak has superstar upside, I hope he can reach his full potential with us.

[DCZards]

So too the fact that Rui has such a low YODA number compared to Brandon Clarke -- that means something too. Better is better. & if better also is a helpful indication of a positive future for P.J. Washington, then -- like it or not -- better for Brandon Clarke is a helpful indication of a better future than Rui Hachimura. You can't have it both ways.

YODA's father Kevin Broom had Rui ranked in his top 7 before the draft. So there is that.

But I'm finished with this debate. I'd much rather read what prime1time is finding as a result of his deep dive into the guy the Zards drafted in the first round yesterday.

[prime1time]

Watch on YouTube

I remember watching this game live, but only focusing on Zion. Rui actually looks competent here guarding Zion and Barrett on the wing. But he (just like everyone else I guess) will struggle containing wing players that can shoot the three and attack the hoop. Think your Lillard's and your Curry's. Some of it might be correctable, staying on his toes and not shifting his weight too much but some of it won't be.

Also, in this game he showed a dribble pull-up that was Kawhi esque. One dribble, shoulder into the chest of the defender and then a step back jumper. The skill level in terms of scoring the ball is just eye opening. I can see the Milsap comparisons in terms of size and strength, but has Milsap ever displayed a consistent midrange jumper step back jumper. Also, in terms of his 3-point shooting we can't knock him for lack of attempts, because Few had him playing as a legit big man. So the opportunities to shoot the 3 simply weren't there. You watch enough tape of Rui and you can almost begin to get a feel for his game. On switches or against weaker opponents in the post, it's practically an automatic bucket.
https://youtu.be/s7I40mXpPVA?t=477
At the very least he has confidence in his 3-point shooting ability. Also, I know Zion is the most marketable player in this draft but let's be realistic about who he just drafted. Rui will have a chance to make all-star games solely off the strength of his Japanese fan base. He is photogenic. charismatic and wants to be the face of the franchise.

I'm pleasantly surprised with everything I've seen from Rui. I was team Sekou before the draft, but it is hard to imagine a scenario where 2 years from now Sekou is more skilled or even as skilled as Rui is. Like, if we go back 3 years from now and ask ourselves what could realistically be expected from a Rui as he first walked on to Gonzaga's campus knowing no English, what he achieved has to be the best case scenario. He'll have to prove it on the floor but I think he has a chance to be special.

As to why so many scouts overlooked him. I think because we have developed a natural aversion to drafting upperclassmen. It is just assumed that because one is an upperclassmen that they have less untapped potential than other players. One of the unspoken truths about the NBA Draft is that a lot of players come out after the freshman year because they are scared that another year might reveal that their untapped potential is hard to reach. How good would Nassir Little have been if he stayed one more year in college? How good would Cam Reddish or Kevin Porter have been? After watching Rui, I think I'll have to add another dimension to the way I evaluate players. The ability to display signficant improvement from one year to the next. Is it possible that Rui stops improving? Of course. Just unlikely.

[payitforward]

I agree 100% -- advanced analytics shows that the more Rui improves the better he will be.

[payitforward]

So too the fact that Rui has such a low YODA number compared to Brandon Clarke -- that means something too. Better is better. & if better also is a helpful indication of a positive future for P.J. Washington, then -- like it or not -- better for Brandon Clarke is a helpful indication of a better future than Rui Hachimura. You can't have it both ways.

YODA's father Kevin Broom had Rui ranked in his top 7 before the draft. So there is that.

Absolutely, Zards: the force is with him!

But I'm finished with this debate. I'd much rather read what prime1time is finding as a result of his deep dive into the guy the Zards drafted in the first round yesterday.

I dunno how much deep-sea diving you've done, Zards. I haven't done any. But someone once told me that the deeper you dive the darker the water gets.

Rui's got potential, & he seems like a really nice kid too. Lets all hope he works out great.

(OTOH, to tell the truth, I was hoping you would modify your reaction to my response to nuPosse's nastiness... but, hey, you can't have it all, right?)

[Wizardspride]

I saw the "Wizards draft a player who they never worked out or talked to" headline.

A little context:


Washington did not personally interview or work out Hachimura during the pre-draft process. Team officials, however, attended his agency pro day and interviewed his coaches at Gonzaga. Before their spring reconnaissance, the Wizards scouted Hachimura during his three years in college, and interim president Tommy Sheppard’s connection goes back even further to a Basketball Without Borders camp.

[james55]

Hey, i made the video especially for you, enjoy!

Watch on YouTube

[oldshoolballer]

Rui will be godlike in Japan Every basketball fan will buy his jersey there Man is going to make some serious money in endorsements

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

So. Why don’t we have a Jonathan Simmons thread?

[Dat2U]

The Brandon Clarke meltdown. How dare the Wizards not draft a 23 year old, undersized big with the 9th pick.

Well I wanted Goga AND Clarke. Not just Clarke, small difference.

And we probably wouldn't be discussing Clarke so much if we hadn't drafted his less athletic and far less productive teammate.

Doesn't mean I don't hope the best for Rui, I just don't expect it.

[Dat2U]

So. Why don’t we have a Jonathan Simmons thread?

His contract isn't guaranteed? They may not be planning to keep him.

[AWIZZINGBULLET]

Check out rui journey from childhood leading up to now.

Watch on YouTube

Wow, had no idea that he use to look like that. Crazy how much muscle he added!

I'm getting a lesser, Giannis-LaMarcus vibe, when I see the things Hachimura excels at offensively.

I think that's a really good thing.

[prime1time]

To temper expectations, one concern I do have is just how much Rui's game can continue to improve. It is easy to see Rui struggling to score inside vs. larger better athletes like Embiid, Gobert or Ayton. Could he take those guys off the dribble? With a Kawhi esque one or two dribble step back? But how consistent can he be with it?

Watch on YouTube

I think this video captures pretty well some of his skills that he does consistently well. At 42 seconds, he does a dribble step back vs Zion. Look at how much separation he gets! Zion is 285 and strong like an oxe. And yet as soon as Rui gives him a little nudge he moves. This mid-range step back is already an elite NBA move. Listen to the announcer. "How many times have we seen this from Hachimura." Another good section of the clip 28 seconds. Rui blows by Reddish. This is impressive because it demonstrates Rui's first step. It'd be one thing if Rui powered through Reddish (Reddish is only 208) but he explodes by him. Then he stops on a dime when the help comes and finishes (eventually he'll get to the point where he's passing that ball).

At 1:08 Rui makes a two dribble pull-up over pretty good defense from Jack White. This is pretty normal for Rui. At 6'8.5 with a 7'2 wingspan and a super high release, he can get his shot off cleanly against tight defense. But just as impressive is his balance, two dribbles a hop and then he elevates on balance. Starting at 1:22, he starts taking Barrett into the low post. Needless to say, Barrett has no chance of stopping him.

It's one thing to be big and strong, but it's a completely other thing to be big and strong and skilled. Rui will make teams pay for switching.

[gesa2]

I do like this quote from Shep. Doesn't mean he'll be great but at least he will try

Read on Twitter

Well, I'm seeing this kid will be impossible not to pull for.

I guess if we called his fan club RuiNation, that could be negatively misconstrued.

T SHIRT IDEA

[Shoe]

Rui demonstrates a level of body control that you just don't see in big men.

Thank you. I was trying to put my finger on the je ne sais quoi that makes Rui remind people of Kawhi. It's like reckless abandon mixed with great precision, where Rui can put his head down and barrel to the basket, stop on a dime, pump fake, pivot, and finish with a fade away jumper.

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

Well I wanted Goga AND Clarke. Not just Clarke, small difference.

And we probably wouldn't be discussing Clarke so much if we hadn't drafted his less athletic and far less productive teammate.

Doesn't mean I don't hope the best for Rui, I just don't expect it.

I've already said I think it's pointless to kvetch over potential trade downs. The Celtics, who people targeted for a trade down, traded down themselves. And I'm glad Sheppard bought a high 2nd rounder, and showed everyone moving down to recoup 2nd round picks is not a thing. Wizards should easily be able to buy them for the next couple years.

As for Clarke - the college basketball court is like playing in a bandbox. This guy is 6'8, 200lbs, already 23 years old and can't space the floor. He's about to enter a league with 7'1, 280 lb centers who can space the floor. Derrick Williams had a 69TS% when he was drafted and finished with a career 53TS% in the NBA. The other guy in 2011, Kawhi, had a 51TS% when he was drafted and has a career 60TS% in the NBA. The whole Clarke complaining is getting really old, especially when some people are trying to condemn Rui at the same time. Clarke was taken with the 21st pick, not the 10th. NatP4 already pointed out the players taken around Rui weren't enticing for the Wizards. It's possible Rui will be a much better pro than Clarke, that's not controversial at all, and in my opinion it's pretty likely.

[dckingsfan]

To temper expectations, one concern I do have is just how much Rui's game can continue to improve. It is easy to see Rui struggling to score inside vs. larger better athletes like Embiid, Gobert or Ayton. Could he take those guys off the dribble? With a Kawhi esque one or two dribble step back? But how consistent can he be with it?

Watch on YouTube

I think this video captures pretty well some of his skills that he does consistently well. At 42 seconds, he does a dribble step back vs Zion. Look at how much separation he gets! Zion is 285 and strong like an oxe. And yet as soon as Rui gives him a little nudge he moves. This mid-range step back is already an elite NBA move. Listen to the announcer. "How many times have we seen this from Hachimura." Another good section of the clip 28 seconds. Rui blows by Reddish. This is impressive because it demonstrates Rui's first step. It'd be one thing if Rui powered through Reddish (Reddish is only 208) but he explodes by him. Then he stops on a dime when the help comes and finishes (eventually he'll get to the point where he's passing that ball).

At 1:08 Rui makes a two dribble pull-up over pretty good defense from Jack White. This is pretty normal for Rui. At 6'8.5 with a 7'2 wingspan and a super high release, he can get his shot off cleanly against tight defense. But just as impressive is his balance, two dribbles a hop and then he elevates on balance. Starting at 1:22, he starts taking Barrett into the low post. Needless to say, Barrett has no chance of stopping him.

It's one thing to be big and strong, but it's a completely other thing to be big and strong and skilled. Rui will make teams pay for switching.

What if we could have traded down and come up with Clarke too? The what ifs...

[DCZards]

What's the last thing you were right about, do tell?

ohhh...please PIF. You really need to come down off your pompous high horse.

Let me ask you do something for me, Zards: first take a deep breath & relax, then reread the sentence of mine you criticized.

& then go up a line, & read the offensive BS that X$#%@%! nuposse sent my way -- to which I was responding.

Now... are you still sure your critique of me was really warranted?

I actually thought I was pretty mild. I erased the first thing I wrote, fortunately.

PIF, I was responding more so to your posts in the immediate aftermath of the draft, where for the umpteenth time you boast about being right regarding numerous Zards personnel decisions, which you have been, and mock others here for being wrong on those occasions, which many of us, including myself, have been. You’ve done this over and over and over again. This kind of self-aggrandizement has grown old and irritating.

Sorry if that comes off as harsh...but it's how I feel. And I suspect that I'm not alone in feeling that way.

[payitforward]

So. Why don’t we have a Jonathan Simmons thread?

His contract isn't guaranteed? They may not be planning to keep him.

Come on... that means there's all the more reason to give him a thread right now! No point after he's gone....