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NBA: Yang Hansen DELIVERED in today's FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Second Round action: 🏀 19 PTS 🏀 9 REB 🏀 8-9 FGM 🏀 1 game-winning bucket for China
Rui Hachimura delivered a near-perfect offensive performance for Japan against Saudi Arabia in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Hachimura scored 29 points as Japan defeated Saudi Arabia 106-78. The LA Clippers forward needed only 27 minutes to lead his team to the road win. Hachimura shot 11-of-13 from the field. He made 8-of-9 two-pointers, 3-of-4 threes and all four of his free throws. He also added four rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block and finished with a game-high 36 efficiency rating.
“I've spoken with the Clippers coaching staff, and they want me to shoot my three-pointers, of course, but also do more cutting,” Hachimura added in agreement. “In my final year with the Lakers, I couldn't really make those cuts due to our team's [structure], so the [Clippers] told me they want me to do more of that, which makes me really happy. I also want to focus on rebounding. Grabbing the boards and pushing the pace like I used to back in the day is something I want to keep doing. I think I can contribute in a lot of different ways. I'm excited. It's a fresh start and a brand new source of motivation. Even though I'm staying in LA, it's a completely different team, competing for a championship, pushing for the playoffs is a massive motivator for me.”
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“I'm just so happy,” Hachimura said. “The Clippers are an amazing organization. Even when talking to other NBA players, they always rave about how great the Clippers organization is. It's truly a player-first team, you know. They take care of their players while having that winning mentality. The Clippers are a young team. A year ago, they were called the oldest team in the league, but they've transitioned to a younger generation especially with Kawhi Leonard getting traded. Joining them right as they build this next generation is huge for me, and I'm incredibly excited.”
With the move, Hachimura is able to stay in Los Angeles, a place he's made home, and play for a franchise that will give him a real opportunity to showcase his abilities. “Above all, being able to stay in LA is the best outcome for me,” Hachimura added. “They support their players of course, their families and inner circles from what I hear. Plus they have a brand new arena with advanced physical and medical support and all kinds of useful tools for physical training. I'm really looking forward to all of it. “My top priority was winning. The roster construction, the team organization, and their style of play altogether, the Clippers felt like they gave me the best opportunity. Plus, like I keep saying, playing with a team of younger players is a first for me since my time with the Wizards. I've always played on roster with veterans, so having this experience is going to be a lot of fun."
NBA star Rui Hachimura has been selected for the Japanese men's national team's training camp for the second round of the 2027 Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers later this month, the Japan Basketball Association said Monday. The selection comes as Hachimura has recently expressed his intention to return to play for Japan after distancing himself from the national team over concerns about its management following the 2024 Paris Olympics. Free agent Yuki Kawamura, who played for the Chicago Bulls in the 2025-2026 season, is also among 14 players who will join the training camp starting on Aug. 11.
Anthony Slater: "Rui Hachimura is a guy that (Warriors) looked at. They wouldn't have gone to the full mid-level type number that they were willing to get to for LeBron James because again that would have cost Moses Moody on a trade and then a Draymond Green pay cut that clearly Draymond was executing only for LeBron James."
Law Murray: I’m told that Rui Hachimura was on the Luka Doncic preferred return list. Lakers wanted more defenders. Clippers had the cap space Lakers didn't have. Rui Hachimura wanted to stay in Ohtani's town. Matchmaker made a match.
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Sam Amick: Story on Rui Hachimura signing with the Clippers, at @TheAthletic , with @DanWoikeSports and @LawMurrayTheNU Source says Rui, who wanted to stay in LA, prioritized Clippers over interest from Brooklyn, San Antonio, Golden State, Minnesota, and Portland.
Benjamin Royer: Rui Hachimura’s message to Lakers fans: “Thank you Lakers nation for the past 3 years, we had some great moments and I will always remember the memories we made together.”
