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Boston Celtics rumors: Rui Hachimura would be perfect project for Brad Stevens

By Sam Minton

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs shoots the ball against Norense Odiase #32 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs shoots the ball against Norense Odiase #32 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The 2019 NBA Draft is inching closer and the Boston Celtics could find their perfect project in Rui Hachimura.

This year was a poor one for the Boston Celtics. They had a quick exit in the postseason and just never looked like the team we expected. The first step in forgetting about the 2018-19 season is the NBA Draft.

The Celtics have the 14th pick so I’m not expecting them to get a franchise changing player. You won’t be finding a Jayson Tatum outside the lottery.

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These draft picks will most likely take some time to develop and become quality players in the NBA. So why not take a player with some intangibles and hope that Brad Stevens can develop him into a great player.

That’s why Rui Hachimura would be an interesting pick for the Boston Celtics.

Hachimura played 3 seasons at Gonzaga, but in 2018-19 he took it to another level. Hachimura averaged 19.7 points and 6.5 rebounds a game.

One of the most telling stats is Hachimura’s 3 point percentage. He became a much better shooter. In his Sophomore year, Hachimura had a 3 point percentage of .192 and this season he had a .417 3 point percentage.

The Celtics could definitely use a solid 3-point shooter. This would open up the lane for guys like Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown.

The best thing about Hachimura is that he is a great athlete. That means with some great coaching his game could improve dramatically.

Hachimura’s journey is an interesting one. He was born in Japan and will be the 3rd player from Japan to be drafted. Hachimura didn’t even start playing basketball until he was 14.

Next. Kyrie Irving abandoning team. dark

There is no doubt that Hachimura would be at the minimum a quality role player for the Boston Celtics. As long as Hachimura plays to his role he would fit in perfectly in Boston.

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