Grading the Washington Wizards at the All-Star Break

2. Rui Hachimura

Grade: B+

Thus far, Rui Hachimura has been exactly what the Washington Wizards expected of him when he was taken 9th overall in last years draft.

Averaging nearly 14 points per game as a rookie, Hachimura has shown signs of both superstar capability and relative inexperience, which is expected of a young rookie drafted so high out of college.

Hachimura has shown he can hit a consistent jump shot, shooting close to 50% on the year, and can grab rebounds when necessary, averaging 6 boards per game.

Hachimura’s only big issue in this first half of his rookie season has been his extended time off the court. After receiving an accidental kick to the groin right before Christmas, Hachimura missed 23 games with a groin injury, meaning he’s played 30 games and missed 23.

Although his sidelining was a fluke injury, Wizards fans have to hope that his injury isn’t a sign of things to come. The Wizards are a much better team with Hachimura on the floor, so if Hachimura were to stay healthy for the remainder of the year, the Wizards’ playoff chances would skyrocket.