As Brandon Ingram progressed through recovery from a partially torn Achilles, the LA Clippers trusted Rui Hachimura as the team’s go-to guy after Darius Garland. Doubt lingered, but because he flourished in a similar role for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2026 playoffs and dominated the Clippers’ preseason, optimism was high that he would do just fine.
The regular season arrived, and, simply put, Hachimura has made it clear he cannot handle an elevated role. The pressure defenses are placing on him has really taken a toll on his game, causing the 28-year-old to average just 13.0 points, shooting 29.6% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc, and 55.6% from the line, as well as 2.5 turnovers, over the course of the last two games.
Granted, Hachimura has excelled in other areas, such as rebounding and defense, but the Clippers need him to score, and he hasn't done that so far.
The role of a second option is simply not fit for Rui Hachimura's game
With his name high on the scouting report as the LA Clippers’ second option, and teams already knowing what Rui Hachimura can do, opponents are pressuring him to score on and off the ball. Sometimes their best wing defender matches up with Hachimura, and other times they double-team him, forcing him to pass the rock or attempt a shot he's not comfortable making.
Following the loss against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, Hachimura acknowledged how he is being guarded, and highlighted how studying the film might be the solution.
The problem, however, is that Hachimura is playing a game that isn’t his. Occasionally, over the years, he would put the ball down and create a good look for himself in the mid-range or at the iron.
But when he’s expected to do so, he inevitably fails. He doesn't have a strong enough handle, a quick first step that will beat opponents off the dribble, or the reliable post game he needs.
He’s best when playing next to multiple stars, as he feeds off the attention they draw. Unfortunately, though, the Clippers can’t take that route right now with Brandon Ingram sidelined.
One could argue that it’s only been two games. That may be true, but it’s easy to tell when a player can’t handle the responsibilities they’re forced into. That’s exactly the impression Hachimura has given off with the Clippers.
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