The Wizards will not make the playoffs this year but Rui Hachimura has proven that he can be a reliable scoring option for years to come, while also evolving his defense and facilitating for his teammates.

Lakers forward Jared Dudley tweeted that Hachimura’s potential impresses him:

“Out of all the NBA rookies the most slept on is Rui Hachimura… He’s really a 3 playing at the 4 position… Has a lot of Kawhi in his game! Super skilled, tough, and aggressive! Wizards found themselves a young Star in the future.”

Hachimura’s former teammate Isaiah Thomas also praised him: “I’ve been saying that since the start of season. A lot of young Kawhi,” Thomas tweeted.

Thomas averaged 12.2 points and 3.7 assists in 23.1 minutes over 40 games (37 starts) with the Wizards this season.

Eduardo Solano, from FOX Sports Radio 1340 AM Hopewell, explained why Hachimura is the best player on the Wizards right now:

“It’s too early to say if he can be a franchise player but the way he can create for himself on offense separates him from the rest of his current teammates not named Wall or Beal.”

Solano also detailed how Hachimura can impact the game in multiple ways.

“He can score but he also displayed commitment to playing defense.

Hachimura’s constant movement without the ball is an overlooked quality of his. The way he looks for the open side of the floor or for opportunities to post up smaller defenders usually goes unnoticed but he is a very smart player.”

According to Solano, the rookie forward is not selfish, “if he doesn’t have a clear shot, he has no problem with passing the ball.”