2019 NBA Mock Draft: Could the Hawks jumpstart their rebuild in 2019?

This week, I saw conversation online comparing Hachimura to former No. 2 overall pick and NBA flameout Derrick Williams, who is playing for Bayern Munich in EuroLeague just eight years after being drafted. It’s unfortunately apt, and a reality check for those (like me) who were high on Hachimura at the beginning of the season.

How could you not be excited? Hachimura possesses incredible ball-handling and shooting touch for his size and has learned for three seasons in a fantastic player development program at Gonzaga. Coach Mark Few brought him along slowly, but coming off a massive 28-point performance in the NCAA tournament last spring, Hachimura’s stock was high entering his junior year.

While the Bulldogs have maintained strong play, Hachimura has displayed puzzling tendencies with the ball in his hands, inconsistent defense and often downright terrible shot-selection. This tweet probably meant its breakdown of Hachimura’s offense as a complement, but “lethal with the long 2” isn’t cutting it for high-usage scorers in the NBA.

Hachimura’s 3-point rate has taken a nosedive since his freshman season and now resides below 10 percent, in the same inefficient range as Williams’. The bottom line: Hachimura needs to diversify his offense and play smarter on offense.