Why Did Nets Strike Out on Former Lakers F Hachimura?

Entering the offseason, front court depth was a real need for the Brooklyn Nets, as Michael Porter Jr. was one of the lone, consistent wing producers last season.

In late June, NBA correspondent Marc Stein named the Nets as a team to look out for with former Los Angeles Lakers 3-and-D specialist Rui Hachimura.

Hachimura, a former top-10 draft pick in the 2019 class, has been a solid all-around offensive player since entering the league.

Many teams showed interest in Hachimura, with the Los Angeles Clippers eventually winning the sweepstakes. Hachimura signed to a 2-year, $28 million deal with the Clippers this past week, with remaining in Los Angeles as his main priority.

According to Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs all presented Hachimura with offers, but the Clippers made the move to keep him in his ideal playing destination.

After battling injury troubles during his early years with the Washington Wizards, Hachimura was dealt to the Lakers for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks, which looking back, was a steal for Los Angeles.

Hachimura averaged over 13 points per game in his first two years with the Lakers, before taking a slight dip in scoring last season.

However, the former Gonzaga standout posted his most efficient shooting season of his career (51.4-percent), while knocking down 44.3-percent of his 3-point attempts.

Hachimura's 3-point shooting and ability in the mid-range would have been a big boost to the Nets' wing scoring, but with the recent acquisitions made by the front office, Brooklyn's offensive attack should be more potent.

Just before the draft, the Nets traded for veteran forward Julius Randle, rerouting Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls.

Randle's playmaking and shot creation will be a huge boost on the wing, supplementing the new, young backcourt pair of Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Demin.

The three-time All Star has already begun being a leader, according to Brown, who told media they are planning to "shock the world" at his introductory press conference.

Demin and Brown looked dynamic in their first start alongside each other in Monday's Summer League win, making multiple high-level passes and cashing in from distance.

Demin, last year's top pick by the Nets, looked like a different offensive player through the California Classic, posting multiple 20+ point performances.

The former BYU standout has taken strides with his 3-point shooting, and looks to be taking a more aggressive scoring approach.

The addition of Randle, Porter's scoring prowess, and Demin's growth would have likely made it difficult for Hachimura to find consistent look.

Rookie wings Tyler Bilodeau will also be given opportunities to grow alongside the Nets' young core.

Join the Community

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.