Wizards rookie forward Rui Hachimura will be out of action for at least the next five games, the team announced today in a press release. Hachimura sustained a groin contusion in the second quarter of Monday’s win in Detroit.
Hachimura, the ninth overall pick in this year’s draft, was off to a solid start in his rookie season, averaging 13.9 PPG and 5.8 RPG in 25 games (29.2 MPG). His injury will further deplete a Wizards frontcourt that’s already missing Thomas Bryant and Moritz Wagner.
In Hachimura’s absence, Washington figure to lean heavily on big men Davis Bertans and Ian Mahinmi, with Admiral Schofield likely playing regular minutes too. The club also signed center Anzejs Pasecniks to a two-way contract today, providing another option up front.
The Wizards will embark on a four-game road trip following Wednesday’s home game vs. Chicago, so Hachimura will be evaluated after that trip ends on December 26. His earliest possible return date would be on December 28 against the Knicks.
Hey Rui, do you like Japanese basketball?