Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga
Age: 21
Height, Weight: 6-foot-9, 234 pounds
Slash Line: .609/.469/.741
Season Averages: 20.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 0.5 3PM
Rui Hachimura’s rise was always expected, as he sat behind more experienced players over the past two years and put up positive numbers in limited time. That led to a full-time starting role in 2018-19 and, as of the WAC Conference Tournament, he has over 20 points per game on a scorching 60.9 percent shooting.
The Japanese sensation never slowed down in the Pacific Northwest, and it solidified him as a top prospect in the 2019 NBA Draft. He arrives with questions, however, on holding up as an NBA shooter, since he only takes one three-pointer per game does not “own” a position per se.
Does it matter if Hachimura is a tweener, though? On the New York Knicks it should not, especially if Kevin Durant arrives. Stick those two at the basic forward spots, and they are physically imposing players for opponents to handle.
Without any top names around, Hachimura can slide into the frontcourt as a go-to player next to Mitchell Robinson. He can play off Knox as a more aggressive, efficient player. That may not result in the much-needed floor spacing head coach David Fizdale’s team needs, but a big body that works into the rotation and can occasionally start.
This is another player that might not have to develop as much as Nassir, but will the Knicks wait — if there is a period at all — for Hachimura to continue learning the game of basketball and grow into his potentially all-around skill set?