Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Rewind: Ranking the past five lottery selections

By Jack Skolnik

NEW YORK - JUNE 24: NBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo prior to the NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2010 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - JUNE 24: NBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo prior to the NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2010 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura
Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

3. Rui Hachimura (2019 NBA Draft)

Lottery Odds: 6th best odds (9%)
Selection: 9th overall

Tommy Sheppard’s first big move after replacing Ernie Grunfeld was drafting Rui Hachimura with the Wizards’ first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Wizards caught a bad break dropping from sixth to ninth, but they made the most of it.

At the time of the pick, Rui was looked at as a bit of a reach at 9th overall. Some argued that a guy like Cam Reddish, who had more upside, may have been a better choice. Hachimura quickly dismissed these doubts once he hit the court. From game one, he showed he could be a top contributor.

Hachimura finished his rookie season averaging 13.5 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 46.6 percent from the floor. Those numbers landed him second among rookies in rebounding and sixth among rookies in scoring.

In his rookie season, Rui showed potential at both ends. Although he still has some work to do, the Wizards should be pleased with what they saw from him in year one.

Hachimura’s deficiencies may limit him from ever being a number one option in the NBA, but the Wizards do not need him to be that. He is already a nice complementary player who will be a valuable back end starter/rotational piece for any team.

Whether the Wizards decide to continue with Wall/Beak or decide to rebuild, Rui fits the plan.

He needs to improve defensively and needs to raise his basketball IQ. But those aspects of his game should improve as he continues to adjust to the NBA game.

After a big rookie season, the Wizards will be looking for more from Rui in year number two. This will be a big offseason for him, and, consequentially, the Wizards.

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