NBA: The Strengths and Weaknesses of prospect Rui Hachimura

Weaknesses

Gonzaga v North Carolina

Defensively Hachimura needs to pay less respect to his opponents and take away their space when shooting. He does contest shooters on the perimeter, but he is often late, with the challenge, because he tends to play off his man.

Hachimura can catch and shoot and is solid from 16 feet and in. However, he will need to continue developing consistency with his three-point shooting which is a skill that is important in the NBA today.

Another weakness in Hachimura’s game is that he is not aggressive in seeking out his offense. Unlike Duke’s Zion Williamson or R.J Barrett who will put the ball on the floor and attack defenders and the rim, Hachimura almost never does this.

When he does, he shows a quick first step. Perhaps ball handling is an issue as he averages more turnovers than assists at 2.2 to 1.8. He will need to improve his assist to turnover ratio once he’s in the NBA. Finally, around the basket, Hachimura needs to ensure he goes up strong as he tends to get close-range shots blocked.

The NBA Draft is 184 days away. United States collegiate and international prospects still have 6 months to make an impression on NBA scouts who are trying to determine the best prospect choice for the NBA franchise that employs them.

Hachimura brings a calmness and poise to his game that freshmen and junior collegiate players don't have and that experience will serve him well at the 2019 NBA Draft.