The Los Angeles Lakers have needed to improve their roster for a while, and they recently made an exciting move to that end. The team acquired Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards for Kendrick Nunn and some 2nd round picks. The deal was considered an excellent move for the Lakers, the former lottery pick is quite good.
Rui Hachimura has averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds throughout his NBA career, and the 24-year-old has every opportunity to blossom into an excellent player. He has good size at 6’8, and good length too, with the Lakers seemingly planning on playing him alongside Anthony Davis. And if fans are wondering who Hachimura compares to, Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy has given them an answer.
Phil Handy Says Rui Hachimura Reminds Him Of Kawhi Leonard
Phil Handy was a development coach with the Los Angeles Lakers during Kobe Bryant’s later seasons in the NBA. He then worked as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers when they regularly went to the Finals in LeBron James’ second stint. And in his one year with the Raptors in 2018-19, the team won it all on the back of Kawhi Leonard’s superhuman performances.
It’s safe to say that Handy has been around true greatness and knows when an incredible player is showing it. So when he compared Hachimura to a ‘player he coached in Toronto,’ it was evident that he was talking about Kawhi Leonard.
“Reminds me of this guy I coached in Toronto”
Phil Handy on Rui Hachimura pic.twitter.com/d5m4JN7qa8
— pickuphoop (@pickuphoop) January 26, 2023
During his first 3 seasons in the league, Kawhi Leonard averaged similar numbers to Hachimura, although he did it on a stacked San Antonio Spurs team. He eventually blossomed into a superstar, so this is a significant comparison to make for Hachimura. A lot of fans seem to agree though.
“I’m not even going to lie to you…some of the movements do look eerily similar.”
“Bro, I totally see it man.”
“Yes sir I see a lot of Kawhi in Rui.”
“Damn, it’s crazy how true this is.”
“Totally see the similarity.”
“Man I hope it works out like that.”
“Yes buddy, this guy has game, and im here for it.”
“Damn, that’s a big comparison.”
“Rui is the truth.”
“This could genuinely be massive for the Lakers.”
If Rui Hachimura can blossom into anywhere close to the player Kawhi Leonard is, the Lakers will have gotten an absolute steal. These comparisons should be taken with a pinch of salt, the Lakers will obviously hype up their new prospect. How he settles in and develops will be a story to watch for sure though.
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