Why was Rui Hachimura removed from Team Japan? Report alleges discontent in camp

While Rui Hachimura and Team Japan were unable to clinch a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympic men's basketball playoffs, the LA Lakers forward was notably missing from Japan's final game of the round-robin tournament. After the team dropped their first two games, Hachimura was absent from Japan's final game against Brazil.

According to a statement from Japan's national team, also known as Akatsuki Japan, Hachimura suffered a calf injury late in the game during their overtime loss to France on July 30. After undergoing an MRI, it was confirmed that Hachimura sustained a gastrocnemius strain.

As a result, he left the team, releasing a statement explaining that per NBA and FIBA rules, he wasn't able to accompany the team to their game against Brazil. According to a new report, however, Hachimura may have parted ways with the team after an incident in practice.

Although it's unclear what exactly transpired at practice, a report from BasketNews suggested that there were quote-unquote "whispers" that Hachimura decided to walk out of a practice session, which may have contributed to his exiting the team.

According to the outlet's sources:

"There were whispers that Hachimura might have unexpectedly left a practice session, which could have contributed to his surprising exit from the team."

Looking at Rui Hachimura's statement in the wake of his departure from Team Japan

While so far there have been no further reports corroborating the story that suggested Rui Hachimura's discontent could have played a factor in his departure from the team, the LA forward did release a statement after his withdrawal.

Despite the team going winless in Paris through round-robin play, Japan impressed fans and analysts alike, narrowly losing to France in overtime, in a thrilling game that went down to the wire after a controversial and-one from the three point line for Les Bleus.

On Friday, after Japan's final round-robin game against Brazil, Rui Hachimura released a statement regarding his injury, and his inability to be there to support his teammates. The statement was then relayed by ESPN:

"As my injury required early treatment, I was unfortunately unable to accompany the team in accordance with NBA/FIBA rules. I would like to thank all the spectators who supported me at the venue, basketball fans around the world, and all the fans in Japan.

"I think that together with my teammates, we played a very good game for Japanese basketball. I am proud to have been able to play as a member of Akatsuki Japan."

Despite only playing in two games, Hachimura still has the second-highest scoring average of any player at the Olympics with 22.0 points per game, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo who averaged 25.8 ppg for Greece over four games.

Given his exit, it will be interesting to see if Rui Hachimura winds up competing for Akatsuki Japan in the future, specifically at the 2027 FIBA World Cup, where he is expected to be one of Japan's most impactful players.