How did the Los Angeles Clippers do in signing Rui Hachimura?
A busy offseason for the Los Angeles Clippers continued on Monday when they signed a forward from the Los Angeles Lakers.
No, LeBron James is not staying in Los Angeles.
But Rui Hachimura is.
Hachimura is signing a two-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers to remain in Los Angeles.
Hachimura averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 51% from the field and 44% from three. In the playoffs, with Luka Doncic sidelined, Hachimura averaged 17.5 points while shooting 54% from the field, but 56% from three on 5.8 attempts per game.
He's spent the last four seasons with the Lakers after being acquired from the Washington Wizards.
How Does Hachimura Fit?
As it stands, Hachimura is either coming off the bench as the sixth man, or starting at power forward.
The Clippers certainly have options with him in the mix, though.
Darius Garland at point guard, Brandon Ingram at small forward, and Brook Lopez at center are the likely three starters.
Shooting guard could go to Keaton Wagler, though Bennedict Mathurin is the better bet should he end up re-signing with the team. Hachimura could start at power forward, but the Clippers might find more value in Derrick Jones Jr in the starting spot given his defensive ability.
Even if Hachimura doesn't start, he's going to get plenty of playing time and could be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate should he come off the bench.
In getting Hachimura, the Clippers are getting a player who can stretch the floor and create for himself off the dribble. He's a very good midrange shooter and his height allows him to rise up over defenders to get his shot off. He can also attack close outs and get to his spots off the dribble.
He was a good rebounder in Washington, but those numbers went down in Los Angeles as he shared the floor with Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic, who are all great rebounders for their positions. The Clippers' lack of size and rebounding issues, expect Hachimura's rebounding to increase this season.
Grading The Deal
Hachimura made $17 million last season, so he's taking a cut to join Los Angeles, and he reportedly had offers from more competitive teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs.
Considering those factors, the Clippers did very well in this deal as they're getting a player who fills multiple needs offensively and with his rebounding, on a good contract that can easily be moved if the team is outside of the playoff picture.
Grade - A-
