Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura remains out since the start of training camp for personal reasons. The latest update increases the mystery surrounding his absence.
According to Quinton Mayo, Hachimura has yet to join his teammates and not been seen in the practice facility.
“We haven’t seen him at all,” one source told Mayo.
Another said Rui’s name is “taboo” around the team. No one has mentioned him. Teammates are just as puzzled as to what’s going on with Hachimura as the fans and media.
It’s unclear if Hachimura is doing individual workouts away from his teammates or not.
Hachimura did not report to training camp with an excused absence. A previous report stated Hachimura was using the absence to address his mental health. Despite arriving in town on Oct. 11, Hachimura missed the entire preseason and the first five games of the regular season.
Hachimura was last seen during the Summer Olympics in Tokyo this past August. He led the Japan men’s national team with 22.3 points per game. However, Japan went 0-3 in preliminary round. There’s been speculation the disappointing showing could be a factor with his mental health.
Meanwhile, the Wizards haven’t missed a beat under first year coach Wes Unseld, Jr. They are 4-1 with wins over good teams such as the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks. Their win over the Indiana Pacers came without star Bradley Beal in the lineup.
The Wizards have leaned on their offseason additions to support Beal. Spencer Dinwiddie, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma have been exceptional thus far this season.
Kuzma has fit in the starting lineup quite nicely replacing Hachimura. Kuzma is averaging 15.2 points and a career-high 10.8 rebounds.
It’s no question, Hachimura is missing valuable time. His absence could make it difficult for him to find his footing when he returns.
Washington has a new head coach and new scheme. Plus, the new added pieces have increased the overall talent and depth of the team. The goals of the season have changed as well.
His absence is not ideal. However, Hachimura has not been pressured by the Wizards to return.
