Chet Holmgren referred to Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura as the ‘Japanese Jordan’ in comments made on May 3. The remark comes as the Lakers prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.
Hachimura’s ability to score from three-point range and operate in the mid-range has become important for Los Angeles, especially against a strong defensive team like Oklahoma City. As both teams get ready for their matchup, Holmgren discussed what makes his fellow Gonzaga alum a threat on offense.
“Something about those Gonzaga guys. He’s a talented guy. He plays a little bit like Japanese Jordan sometimes when you see the turnaround and stuff,” Holmgren told Michael Martin of Let’s Talk Thunder. “Alright, I’m going way too far right now. Nah, he can really make shots, make shots in bunches if you let him. So, you can let him get hot, give him any easy ones. Again, just like anybody else, you got to make everything challenging and try to make him uncomfortable.”
The Thunder are expected to focus their defense on LeBron James and Austin Reaves while also trying to limit Hachimura’s opportunities from outside shooting positions. The Lakers struggled with floor spacing against Houston but hope that Hachimura’s strong postseason three-point percentage—58.6%—can provide an offensive spark.
Matchups remain uncertain heading into the series; it is possible that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could defend Hachimura at times. If guarded by a smaller player or guard, observers say that Hachimura will need to act quickly with his shot selection or drive into mid-range attempts.
After losing momentum late in their previous series against Houston, Hachimura said that Los Angeles treated Game 6 as if it were Game 7—a move that resulted in a decisive 20-point victory for the Lakers.