Even after Wednesday’s Game 5 loss, Rui Hachimura’s performance in the playoffs for the Lakers has been crucial to the team’s success. Hachimura came onto the scene in Game 1 to contribute to the Lakers’ victory, and he continued to contribute in subsequent games.
His transformation into an effective postseason player is not a fluke, however. The Lakers identified Hachimura and assistant coach Phil Handy as prospects worthy of pursuit.
After the Lakers acquired Rui Hachimura at the trade deadline, assistant coach Phil Handy ensured he worked with him.
In a recent article by Elliot Teaford of the OC Register, head coach Darvin Ham disclosed that Handy reached out to him after the trade to express interest in collaborating with Rui.
“Phil texted me and said, ‘Man, let him have Rui,’” Ham recalled the other day. “Phil’s resume speaks for itself. Three-time champion as a coach. All the guys he’s worked with from Kyrie (Irving) to, you know, LeBron, Kawhi (Leonard) – all these guys – Kobe (Bryant) when we started out here as assistant coaches.
- “(Handy) does a great job of not just putting guys through workouts but doing things that immediately translate to the game. Court work, film work – all the above. Rui dove right into the fold. I encouraged him. Also, LeBron taking him under his wing, doing a bunch of workouts with LeBron.
“It’s been great for him, a great environment for him.”
Rui has credited Handy numerous times during his playoff run. Hachimura had been instructed by Handy on the types of weapons available to him and how to prepare for them.
In this series, for instance, Hachimura has been a lethal 3-point shooter, capitalizing on Memphis’s decision to focus more on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He has capitalized on the opportunity and had his best span of games for the Lakers.
Rui could not possibly work with a better individual in the NBA to enhance his skills. Fans should be optimistic about what could be in store for Hachimura if he re-signs in free agency, given the short-term success he’s enjoyed with Phil Handy.
Imagine what could transpire if he spent the entire off-season and regular season with the team and coaching staff if he was able to improve this much in such a short time. It is enticing, and Lakers fans will presumably get to see it materialize.