Washington Wizards: 4 Players coach Scott Brooks is finally utilizing better

No. 1 – Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura is the Wizards’ third option. No ifs, ands, or buts about it! The second-year player started the season off slow after missing the first few weeks while dealing with conjunctivitis in both eyes. Now fully healthy, Hachimura is starting to settle in and show why everyone in Washington is so high on him. In the month of February, Rui scored 10 or more points in 10 straight games during what was arguably the best stretch of games in his career so far! He averaged 13.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 1.6 APG last month and is continuing to show his versatility as the season progresses.

Rui clearly has all the tools in his arsenal to be a force on the offensive end on a nightly basis. Unfortunately, he tends to defer a little too often because he still lacks confidence in isolation, and from beyond the three-point line. He has to learn not to be timid because the Wizards are at their best when he’s assertive on offense. Don’t get me wrong. It’s no easy task trying to figure out your role next to two superstar caliber players in Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook.

However, Hachimura needs to learn how to pick his spots and make the most of the opportunities he’s given. He can’t hesitate when he’s open or pass up open looks because that just stalls the offense. On the other hand, Rui does deserves the ultimate credit for becoming a defensive stopper. He’s drawn tough matchups against LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and Jimmy Butler this year but has more than held his own! If he keeps this up, people around the league will be forced to take notice and recognize him as one of the lockdown defenders in the NBA.