Should the Nets Target Lakers’ Rui Hachimura in Free Agency?

The Brooklyn Nets finished the season tied as the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA, and signing Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura could be the shooter they need.

Brooklyn is one of the few teams with cap space this summer, projected at $44.6 million, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith. They need to spend that cap space to build a competitive team next season, especially with the new anti-tanking proposal.

ESPN's Bobby Marks compiled a list of the top 20 free agents, and he tabbed several of them as fits for the Nets. Hachimura, ranked sixth, is the first player on the list who Marks believes matches Brooklyn.

Hachimura has spent four seasons with the Lakers after they traded for him from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks. The most improved aspect of the 6-foot-8 forward's game since he arrived in Los Angeles was his three-point shooting, crediting former Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy.

"He was the one who talked me through a lot of stuff," Hachimura said in his exit interview. "What I can do to staying at this league, not only on this team, but like staying in this league. I can make an impact on this team, especially."

He has shot over 40% from three in three straight seasons, and his efficiency rises in the playoffs. Hachimura shot a blistering 56.9% from beyond the arc in this year's playoffs.

When the Lakers needed a crucial three, whether to cut into a lead or increase it, Hachimura was their main release valve. His shooting isn't limited to just threes; he can step in the arc and drill mid-range jumpers.

Mid-range jumpers are his most preferred shot, but he expanded his range to fit an effective role in Los Angeles. It's an aspect that makes role players valuable in the league: the ability to change your game even if it's not preferred.

"I don't like three shooting threes," Hachimura said. "That's still not my thing for me. I don't really like it, you know. But with the team situation, how JJ (Redick) coaches, you know, wants me to shoot a lot of threes, so it's a different game."

Hachimura would become Brooklyn's best three-point shooter if signed with their cap space. However, a playmaker is needed to feed him the wide-open looks he'd receive, and that's where the sixth overall pick comes in.

The Nets have a busy summer ahead with cap space and the need to build a competitive team. Hachimura's shooting is valuable, especially for a team that finished tied for worst in the NBA at 34%. 

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