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The absence of Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards has been an interesting saga. In a resolution that is best for both parties, the saga is ending.
Before the Wizards win over the New York Knicks in which they didn't have Bradley Beal available, head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said that Hachimura will dress but not play. He stayed true to his word, not playing Hachimura as he prepares to play again.
Wes Unseld, Jr., says pregame that Rui Hachimura will likely dress tonight in New York against the Knicks, but won’t play. He says this is the next step in getting Hachimura ready to get back on the floor.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) December 23, 2021
Hachimura was seen on the bench tonight engaging with his teammates. Before the game, he got some shots up. Warming him up again for full-speed basketball will be a gradual but necessary process for the 23-year-old forward.
"You sweet like that now?" – Rui Hachimura to college teammate Corey Kispert, probably pic.twitter.com/VSOM5WqOQ2
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) December 24, 2021
Hachimura was drafted ninth overall by the Wizards in 2019 and has been a starter ever since. He has averaged 13.7 points and 5.8 rebounds on 43.7 percent from the field across 105 career games. He spent some time in the G League with the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards' affiliate team, to get acclimated to the game again.
As the Wizards prepare for life without Beal, who entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, this is the perfect time to bring Hachimura back into the fold. Scoring is his main skill and he should be able to provide some buckets off the bench for the 17-15 Wizards.
On a Washington team that goes pretty deep, Hachimura will have to really work for a spot back in the rotation. As he takes the steps to warm up with the team, that opportunity will come soon.
