Washington Wizards: 4 Bold Predictions for the 2019-20 Season
By Ethan Smith
Rui Hachimura makes an All-Rookie Team
Expecting Rookie of the Year honors for Rui Hachimura might be setting the bar a bit high. But don’t be surprised if he ends up on one of the two All-Rookie teams by the end of the season.
There have been some impressive-looking rookies already, including Carsen Edwards, Tyler Herro, Ja Morant, Coby White, and the now-injured Zion Williamson. But Hachimura has as good a chance as any rookie to make a name for himself in his first NBA season.
Throughout the preseason, Hachimura looked calm, confident, and controlled against NBA competition. Although he was often aggressive in attacking the basket, he didn’t look to force too much on the offensive end and played within himself. On defense, he seemed to hold his own, even when he found himself in the post against larger and more experienced NBA players.
He still has some things to figure out, but the early showings from the number nine overall pick have been encouraging.
Luckily for Hachimura, he will have plenty of opportunities to figure it out right away at the NBA level. There will be no shortage of chances for him to make an impact in Washington, even as a rookie. As of right now, it’s looking more and more likely that he will be an opening night starter.
Scott Brooks asked if rookie Rui Hachimura will start Oct 23 in Dallas: “It’s probably leaning that way.”
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) October 18, 2019
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Hachimura has proven he can contribute. He hasn’t dominated NBA opponents yet, but he’s impressed. On this Wizards team, he won’t have to wait long/at all before he gets his chance to prove he can be a significant contributor. That alone could elevate him as one of this year’s best rookies over the 82-game season.