Rui Hachimura

In a statement released yesterday by the Japanese Basketball Association, through the Washington Wizards, it was announced that Rui Hachimura would miss the final two games of the FIBA World Cup. The statement cited, “knee discomfort and general fatigue,” as the reason for the decision (in light of NBA training camp beginning in a few weeks).

Fantasy Impact

Hachimura is quickly becoming the face of Japanese basketball since being chosen by the Wizards in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. Although there have been conflicting reports regarding Hachimura’s role at the start of the season, there is little doubt that he is being groomed for a starting role (and could seize it sooner rather than later). He is a worthy sleeper pick in the later rounds of redraft leagues and even more so in dynasty and keeper leagues.

Rui Hachimura was drafted by the Wizards with the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Fantasy Impact

Hachimura snuck into the top-10 with his electric playmaking, physicality, and athleticism. He’s tough, a willing defender, and a pure scorer. Washington lacks quality scorers outside of Bradley Beal, and Hachimura should be heavily involved in the offense right away.