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Tomer Azarly: Derrick Jones Jr. and Rui Hachimura are both OUT for the Clippers tonight with right knee soreness. Max Strus has been cleared to make his regular season debut tonight against the Raptors.
Ohm Youngmisuk: Rui Hachimura has been upgraded to probable with his quad soreness.
Tomer Azarly: Rui Hachimura is QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow’s game vs the Wolves. The guys who have been out for the Clippers remain out.
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Hachimura joined Clippers out of wanting to stay in Los Angeles and to take on a new challenge: seeing if he can expand his game in a different situation. Over the last three seasons, Hachimura had been on a Lakers team led by the likes of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves. With so many ball-dominant stars and elite playmakers leading the way, Hachimura fell into whatever role needed him to play.
“They think that [only] one season, I was good, but I keep doing it,” Hachimura told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “I consistently — like three years in a row — was shooting 45 percent on threes and 50 or 60 percent from mid-range, and I was always top five in shooting for three years. It's, of course, because of the team and how we operated. We had LeBron [James], [Anthony Davis], Luka [Doncic]. “But also, it's tough to play for the Lakers. It's a big crowd, big shine. The lights are brighter. The thing I always say is that I've always had that, but it's just what the team's situation is. I have to adjust. I can fit in, to any type of team, but I think that's the one thing that people always talk about. I have more than that to my game, yes, but I always play for the team wherever I'm at, so whatever they ask me to do, I'll do.”
When the Lakers were whole, Hachimura would play one role. When they were missing one or two lead guys, it would turn into another. So while everyone may not know just much there is to Hachimura's game, those around him have seen it. “I feel like the people around me know,” Hachimura explained. “They always say that they're always watching me. Even last year, when those three guys played, Austin, LeBron, Luka, it's tough to get the ball, but when one guy or two guys are out, I always show up. I was the number one scorer too, so I always showed up, whatever they need. I always proved that I'm always ready to be in that position. “For me, right now with the Clippers' situation, I've got to be the guy to be aggressive. They're telling me that and they've been working, they've been communicating, that's what I've talked about. They've been communicating the position, the spot, because I told them I need them to be in the right spot. I can't run point guard, so if got to put me in the right spot, then I'll be fine.”
“I think my playmaking decisions [are underrated],” Rui said. “I'm good at that too. I'm good at passing out the double-team. Those kinds of things, I'm actually good at it. I can see the court from a double team.” “Sometimes you have to sacrifice to be aggressive. Somebody, like I said last year, there's a couple guys out like this, too. I've got to be aggressive for the team to win. That's the thing. Whatever they ask, whatever they need, whatever I think I feel like I need, I have to do it. It's not about only, oh, I'm going to be less touching. Those are sacrifices. Sometimes I have to be more aggressive to help the team win. Even the playoffs, you guys see that. Everybody was out. Austin was out. Luka was out. Now what? I've got to be aggressive. That's the thing that I always pay attention and look for.”
Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell immediately covered their eyes and looked away. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was closest and looked toward his bench, covering his mouth with one hand. Isaiah Hartenstein was on the bench facing the play, covered his face in a towel and walked to the tunnel. The Clippers first checked on Jones, but upon seeing Williams, Rui Hachimura put his hands on his head and walked behind the stanchion. Brook Lopez covered his mouth and turned away. Dunn was later assessed a flagrant 1 for his involvement. Williams’ teammates looked shocked when they noticed his foot curving left. The Thunder’s medical staff surrounded him for several minutes while he lay on the floor.
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After the Los Angeles Clippers parted ways with Kawamura, Hachimura offered a blunt reaction to the exit of his fellow Japanese star. "He really worked hard during training camp, so I want him to keep that up. Also, while chasing your dream is important, you have to make smart decisions," Hachimura told Japan sports media member Yoko Miyaji. "He's already 25 years old, so I want him to keep that in mind as he moves forward."
Farbod Esnaashari: Rui Hachimura on Yuki Kawamura's preseason debut with the Clippers: "Nervous, but I think he did what he needed to do in the short time. You get more chances just to find his role and position, he'll be fine. For him, I always tell him to be him and play his game and he'll be fine."
Farbod Esnaashari: Rui Hachimura on how comfortable he is with the Clippers: "It's experience you know, I've been with two or three different teams. This is my eighth year. I've been in the playoff many times. It's experience... Just been communicating with [Ty] a lot, especially this whole camp. That's important. I like to learn from him."
Joey Linn: Ty Lue said he is excited to use Max Strus and Rui Hachimura in ways he used Kyle Korver in Cleveland. Me: “Is that something you like to do? Look back at things you had for certain players and find guys—” Lue: “Love it. Yeah I love it.” Me: “Do you have any more of those?” Lue: “I do.” Me: “Can you share?” Lue: “Not yet. I will. You always try to ask me tough questions.”
