The Washington Wizards are 5-1 this season. That’s tied for the best record in the NBA. Everyone is sports media creating fake Bradley Beal trades even though Beal has made is extremely clear he’s not leaving DC. No one expected them to get off to this hot start but especially considering that their 2019 lottery pick, Rui Hachimura, has yet to join the team.
Following the Olympics, Hachimura has taken a break from basketball. It was reported that Team Japan going 0-3 had a strong negative effect on Rui and received a team approved absence from training camp.
But training camp was months ago and Rui has yet to rejoin the Wizards. The stretch four could massively help the Wizards maintain their status at the top of the standings. Last season, Hachimura averaged 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds a night on 47% shooting from the field and 32% from 3.
Entering his third season and without being infected by Russell Westbrook’s rabies, Hachimura could’ve had a breakout season on this new-look Wizards teaming up with Spencer Dinwiddie and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but I suppose his role is being filled by Kyle Kuzma. Shit, maybe that’s why Hachimura won’t show up. Imagine getting your job taken by this guy:
Rui Hachimura is never coming back.