Rui Hachimura had a solid 2022-23 season, particularly after being dealt from the Washington Wizards to the Los Angeles Lakers at the trade deadline. Now, after his four-year, $20 million contract expired, the young forward is looking to showcase his talents and continue his work as a solid bench performer, potentially for a larger deal.
Rui Hachimura Free Agent Profile
Background
Hachimura began his fourth season in the league with the Wizards, averaging 13 points, four rebounds, and one assist per game on 48/33/75 splits. After being traded to the Lakers for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks, his numbers decreased behind the outputs of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The 25-year-old averaged 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game on 48/29/72 splits in the regular season.
Hachimura’s numbers improved in his second career postseason, putting up 12.2 points per game while shooting 55% from the field, 48% from deep, and 88% from the line. He dropped 29 points on 11-14 shooting from the field in game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, and he continued to excel in his role throughout LA’s run to the Western Conference Finals.
Strengths
Throughout the year, Hachimura has proven his value as a three-level scorer. At 6-foot-8 and 230 pounds, he’s able to absorb contact well to finish at the rim. He scored nearly half of his points in the paint in the regular season and 45% in the playoffs. Additionally, he has shown a standout shooting touch from the midrange and perimeter, skills that helped the Lakers tremendously and were enough to get them over several slumps. He was versatile enough to either become the Lakers’ best performer or just play to his strengths and contribute positively to the team. No matter his role, Hachimura delivered and earned the trust of head coach Darvin Ham when it mattered the most.
Scoring is clearly Hachimura’s calling card, but in terms of fit, he played seamlessly next to James, Davis, and the rest of the rotation. He gave the Lakers a lengthy forward they needed throughout the year and was versatile enough to play both forward spots.
Weaknesses
As solid as Hachimura was as a scorer, he did not produce as well in terms of facilitating (23 assists as a Laker). His defense could also improve, as he posted a rating of 116.4 in the regular season and 114 in the playoffs–good, but nothing exceptional. Though he was able to use his size well on both ends in certain matchups (e.g., the Grizzlies), he struggled against the Golden State Warriors and produced mediocre stats against the Denver Nuggets, even as his minutes increased.
Hachimura will have to improve his overall versatility on both ends of the floor. However, he is still a valuable role player who can produce off the bench and fit into the starting lineup if needed. His playoff experience, earning significant minutes for a contending team, also helps his case this offseason.
Potential Fits
With Hachimura reportedly looking to command $15 million in free agency and the Lakers extending Qualifying Offers to him and guard Austin Reaves, it appears that he could remain in LA on a new deal. If that isn’t the case, however, the Houston Rockets could be a name to watch.
As of now, Hachimura would help the Rockets with their frontcourt depth, with their current forwards including Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and Usman Garuba. He would add some more size and scoring to the Rockets and be a valuable asset to a young team looking to accelerate their rebuild.
