Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura will miss approximately three weeks with an eye infection, the team announced Monday. Hachimura has been diagnosed with bi-lateral epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
When Hachimura missed practice last Tuesday, head coach Scott Brooks categorized the issue as not being serious. However, Hachimura wasn’t able to practice the entire week and missed both of Washington’s preseason games against the Detroit Pistons.
He visited an eye specialist before getting the diagnosis.
Hachimura has a “severe” case of the pink eye, Brooks updated on Monday. Hachimura has experienced blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
The Wizards open the regular season on Wednesday at the Philadelphia 76ers. With the timetable for recovery, Hachimura may miss the first 10-12 games of the season. His absence will force Washington to reshuffle the starting lineup.
Brooks will have the options of the sharpshooting Davis Bertans replacing Hachimura at power forward. However, Bertans, who signed a new five-year, $80 million deal last month, missed part of training camp due to a work visa issue. He may need to get his legs under him. Meanwhile, Washington prefers to have him come off the bench to provide a spark.
Other options include Anthony Gill, who started Saturday’s preseason finale as well as rookie Deni Avdija.
