Washington Wizards: 4 Players with something to prove this preseason

Rui Hachimura

While Washington Wizards fans will be looking at Deni Avdija during these preseason games to see what he brings to the table, Rui Hachimura will also be under the microscope. After an impressive rookie season that landed Hachimura on the All-Rookie team, it’s time to see what Hachimura has added to his game during the time off.

Hachimura did most of his damage last season around this rim. 54 percent of all of Hachimura’s field goal attempts came within 10 feet of the basket. Only 15 percent of his attempts came from behind the three-point line. Hachimura was much more effective closer to the basket. He shot 55 percent on shots within 10 feet and only 28.7 percent on three-pointers, so it makes sense that he would stay close to the rim. However, he will need to expand his range so that the Wizards can open up the floor for Russell Westbrook.

Hachimura and Westbrook like to operate in very similar areas. 54 percent of Hachimura’s field goal attempts came within 10 feet last season.  61 percent of Westbrook’s attempts came from the same distance. Like Hachimura, Westbrook spent much less time shooting threes. Three-point attempts accounted for only 19 percent of Westbrook’s field goal attempts last season. On paper,  it looks like Hachimura and Westbrook will be competing for the same real estate unless somebody makes a change.