Washington Wizards rookie forward Rui Hachimura appears primed for a big first season in the NBA — at least according to Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey.
After watching Hachimura score 35 points in Japan's exhibition game against New Zealand, Casey can't help but express his admiration for the Wizards' 2019 pick. The Pistons head coach heaped praised on the young Japanese star and sees his game evolving sooner rather than later.
“I think he's going to be a heck of a player, the NBA is a physical game, a tough game. He's got a great body for the NBA,” Casey, who is currently overseas in Japan to coach at a clinic, recently told Kyodo News.
“I see Rui…developing his game to move out to the 3-point line. Because that's where the NBA is. Great kid, great work ethic.”
Hachimura was selected by the Wizards with the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga. Rui spent three seasons with the Bulldogs, putting up 12.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. In his third year, he showed tremendous growth on his way to averaging 19.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists 37 contests (all starts).
The Wizards are not expected to contend for the title in the 2019-20 season, so Hachimura will have enough time and opportunity to further develop his game as Washington builds for the future.
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