https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2019/11/05/the-nbas-most-marketable-rookie-not-named-zion/#33e38e63df04Rui Hachimura has gotten off to a rousing start on the court for the Washington Wizards during the first six games of his NBA career. His averages of 15 points and six rebounds per game rank him among the top rookies to start the season. But as impressive as Hachimura’s play looks, his off-court game is even stronger.
The Japanese-born 21-year-old forward has signed endorsement deals with seven partners so far, with another three or four expected by February’s All-Star break. It’s an unprecedented haul for an NBA rookie. He’s done global deals with Nike’s Jordan Brand, NEC, NBA 2K, Casio and Nissin Foods, as well as Japan-specific agreements with SoftBank and banking giant SMBC.
I couldn't be happier for a fellow Zag alum. We met him during our visit to Spokane two summers ago, just the nicest young man with a million dollar smile.
When he arrived in Spokane 3 years ago, he barely knew a few words of English. His freshman year was mostly academics, as he needed a full time interpreter to communicate with his coaches.
One time during practice, he was chided by Coach Few for making a "dumbass" play. He was pleased with the comment, thinking the coach referred him to "Domas", as in Domantas Sabonis (in his third season with the Indiana Pacers, after two stellar years at Gonzaga)...at least, until a teammate told him the truth.
He's almost as big in Japan as Ichiro.
