The Washington Wizards announced over the weekend forward Rui Hachimura is out indefinitely and will miss the start of training camp for personal reasons. The team said they’ll provide further updates when appropriate.
There may be more insight on his absence. According to Wizards insider Quinton Mayo, Hachimura informed the team last week via text he’d be absent. He is using the time to address his mental health.
Hachimura started 57 games for Washington last season, his second in the NBA. He also represented his native Japan in the Tokyo Olympics this past summer.
We hope he is fine and able to get a hold of his mental health first and foremost. Hopefully, he can join his teammates soon. Washington has revamped its roster following the trade of Russell Westbrook in July.
Hachimura is expected to be an integral part in the rebuild as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, it’s unclear the length of his absence. The Wizards begin training camp Tuesday.
Their first preseason game is Oct. 5 against John Wall and the Houston Rockets. Washington then opens the regular on Oct. 20 at the Toronto Raptors.
If his absence lingers Kyle Kuzma, Davis Bertans and last year’s first-round pick Deni Avdija could fill for Hachimura.
