Internal Feud Erupts! Rui Hachimura Holds Nothing Back!

Two days ago, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Memphis Grizzlies in what became a headline-grabbing showdown. The game marked the first-ever "Japanese Derby" in the NBA regular season, as Rui Hachimura faced off against Yuki Kawamura. Before tip-off, the two shared a heartfelt moment, posing for pictures and exchanging pleasantries. Notably, Kawamura missed their last meeting in Memphis due to Hachimura’s illness, making this encounter all the more anticipated.

On the court, however, the matchup was one-sided. Kawamura did not play a single minute, while Hachimura shined in front of the home crowd, delivering an efficient 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists on 6-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep. The story didn’t end with the game, though. After the Lakers’ win, Hachimura turned heads with a series of unfiltered remarks about Japan's basketball federation and its head coach, Tom Hovasse.

Hachimura’s Scathing Criticism of Japan Basketball

In the post-game press conference, Hachimura openly criticized Japan's basketball governing body and coaching decisions. “I’ve always played for Japan’s national team, but I’ve never been satisfied with certain aspects of how it’s run,” he admitted. “Playing in the NBA has elevated the national team’s profile and inspired young kids back home, but it feels like the basketball federation has its priorities elsewhere. To me, they seem overly focused on making money.”

Hachimura’s frustrations extended to head coach Tom Hovasse, whose leadership he called into question. “The national team should have a coach that’s more suited to the job—someone who understands men’s basketball, has professional playing experience, and has coached at a professional level,” Hachimura said bluntly. “Hovasse’s appointment was disappointing.”

He revealed that he voiced opposition to Hovasse’s continued role as head coach after the Paris Olympics, only to have his concerns dismissed by the federation. Moreover, he accused Hovasse of lying about reaching out to players during his contract negotiations. “He claimed he called everyone from the Olympic squad, but I never received a call,” Hachimura said.

The fallout didn’t stop there. Hachimura took to social media, retweeting several posts from Japanese fans who criticized Hovasse and the federation’s alleged "money-first" attitude. This online activity fueled speculation about a growing rift between Hachimura and Japan’s basketball leadership—a divide that, according to insiders, had been brewing for years.

A History of Tensions Between Hachimura and Hovasse

This isn’t the first time tensions between Hachimura and Hovasse have come to light. During the Paris Olympics, Hachimura appeared to snub Hovasse’s post-game gesture, refusing to acknowledge the coach’s attempt at a high-five. The moment drew significant attention and hinted at deeper issues within the team dynamic.

Critics of Hachimura argue that his impact on Japan’s recent basketball success has been minimal. For instance, Hachimura skipped the 2023 FIBA World Cup entirely, a tournament where Japan achieved a historic victory over Finland to secure their spot in the Paris Olympics. Even in the Olympics, Hachimura’s contributions were mixed. Despite averaging 22.0 points and 6.5 rebounds across two games, his 40.0% shooting was underwhelming.

In Japan’s clash against a star-studded French team featuring Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, Hachimura fouled out early in the fourth quarter. It was Yuki Kawamura who led the team’s spirited comeback, briefly taking the lead before ultimately falling short in overtime. Many fans believe that without questionable officiating favoring the home team, Japan might have pulled off a historic upset—ironically, with little contribution from Hachimura during crunch time.

Hovasse’s Proven Track Record

While Hachimura’s comments have drawn sympathy from some fans, many see merit in the federation’s decision to stick with Hovasse. The American coach has overseen remarkable progress for Japan’s basketball programs. As head coach of Japan’s women’s national team, Hovasse guided them to a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Since taking over the men’s team in 2021, he has achieved unprecedented milestones, including the first-ever victory over a European team (Finland) and a near-upset of powerhouse France in the Paris Olympics.

These achievements have come despite Hachimura’s sporadic involvement. Japan’s success in recent years appears more closely tied to Hovasse’s coaching than to Hachimura’s individual contributions. This reality has left many fans and analysts siding with the federation’s decision to retain Hovasse, even if it risks alienating Japan’s most high-profile player.

Hachimura’s NBA Career Flourishes Amid National Team Drama

While his national team future hangs in the balance, Hachimura’s NBA career is on an upward trajectory. This season, he has cemented his role as a starter for the Lakers, a significant step forward after spending much of his career as a bench player. Through 10 games, he has averaged career-high minutes (33.9 per game) while contributing 12.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

One standout aspect of his game this season has been his three-point shooting. Hachimura has connected on 50% of his attempts from beyond the arc, going 18-of-36 so far. However, his overall efficiency has dipped due to struggles around the rim, with his field-goal percentage sitting at 42.1% and a true shooting percentage of 54.2%, down from last season’s 62.8%.

Despite these inefficiencies, Hachimura’s impact on the Lakers has been undeniable. When he’s on the court, the Lakers outscore opponents by 5.2 points per 100 possessions. Conversely, they are outscored by 10.9 points per 100 possessions when he’s off the floor. Head coach J.J. Redick’s decision to elevate Hachimura to the starting lineup has provided the Lakers with better spacing and defensive intensity, reinforcing his value to the team.

Hachimura’s current contract has two years remaining, giving him ample opportunity to solidify his place in the Lakers’ rotation. Under Redick’s guidance, he seems poised for continued growth and increased responsibilities.

The Likely End of Hachimura’s National Team Career

Back in Japan, however, Hachimura’s future with the national team looks increasingly uncertain. He has already distanced himself from regional competitions, rarely appearing in events like the FIBA Asia Cup. Even his participation in the World Cup and Olympics has been sporadic and marked by controversy.

Given his public criticism of the federation and Hovasse, it seems unlikely that the two parties can reconcile anytime soon. If Japan were to qualify for the 2028 Olympics, it’s hard to imagine Hovasse inviting Hachimura back into the fold.

For now, Hachimura’s focus appears firmly on his NBA career, where he continues to thrive despite the turmoil surrounding his national team involvement. Whether his relationship with Japanese basketball can be repaired remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Rui Hachimura isn’t afraid to speak his mind, no matter the consequences.