Rui Hachimura was one of the most efficient players on a 42-40 Clippers team last season, posting a 62.0% true-shooting mark and a 44.3% clip from three on a modest 14.9% usage rate. Brandon Ingram's indefinite absence and Max Strus's expected return in early November put pressure on Hachimura to turn that efficiency into a bigger share of the offense.
Hachimura's shooting numbers outpaced his role last season.
Across 68 games, Hachimura averaged 11.5 points on 51.4% shooting and 44.3% from three on 3.9 attempts a game, playing 28.3 minutes a night. His 62.0% true-shooting mark and plus-2.0 net rating came on a 14.9% usage rate, the profile of a low-volume, high-efficiency forward rather than a primary scorer. The box score reads like a role player doing his job well, not a star carrying possessions.
Ingram's absence changes what the Clippers need from him.
Brandon Ingram, acquired from Toronto in the September 14 trade that sent out Kawhi Leonard, remains out indefinitely with the partially torn Achilles diagnosed September 28, with no return date reported. Max Strus is not expected back until around November 2. Clipperholics reported that the Clippers may have a scoring problem with Ingram sidelined, and Hachimura, alongside Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr. and Brook Lopez, is the frontcourt piece best positioned to absorb a larger share of the shots.
His contract turns this season into a value test.
Hachimura is making $14.0 million this season, with a $14.0 million team option for 2027-28 that the front office will decide next summer. A bigger role this season, with efficiency numbers to match, is the clearest way to make that option an easy call.
He is healthy while much of the roster is not.
Hachimura is not on the injury report, a contrast with Ingram, Strus, Bradley Beal and Kobe Sanders, all carrying designations entering the opener. That availability matters most now: a bigger role only helps the Clippers if he is on the floor to play it.
What is Rui Hachimura's role with Brandon Ingram out?
With Ingram out indefinitely after a partially torn Achilles, Hachimura is part of the frontcourt group — alongside Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr. and Brook Lopez — expected to absorb more of the scoring load.
What is Rui Hachimura's contract with the Clippers?
Hachimura is set to make $14.0 million in 2026-27, with a $14.0 million team option for 2027-28.
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