Portland Trail Blazers Could Use Rui Hachimura’s Underrated Three-Point Shooting

The Portland Trail Blazers may have found the missing piece to complement Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija’s dynamic offensive duo: Rui Hachimura, the underrated sharpshooter from the Los Angeles Lakers. As the 2026 NBA free agency period approaches, Hachimura’s consistent three-point shooting could address a glaring floor-spacing need for Portland.

Hachimura’s Impact for the Lakers

Every one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ top-seven leaders in minutes per game is eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, including Hachimura. The Gonzaga product has quietly emerged as one of the most reliable shooters on the roster, particularly beyond the arc.

In the recent Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hachimura posted 21 points while connecting on 5-of-8 three-point attempts. This performance underscores a season-long trend: Hachimura is shooting a career-high 44.3 percent from deep this year. For perspective, over the past three seasons, he has consistently eclipsed the 40 percent mark, and his career three-point percentage sits at 39.4 percent.

In a league where spacing and perimeter shooting are critical, Hachimura represents exactly the type of player the Blazers need to spread the floor and open lanes for Lillard and Avdija. Despite his quiet approach, he is arguably one of the most underrated shooters in the NBA, a skill set that could immediately boost Portland’s offensive efficiency.

Blazers Identifying Shooting as a Key Summer Need

Following Portland’s playoff exit against the San Antonio Spurs, team leadership emphasized the need to address shooting deficiencies. Blazers general manager Joe Cronin stated:

“The Spurs series showed us that we don’t shoot the ball well enough. Shooting is something we knew we were deficient in. Dame will definitely help us, but something we need to address going forward. We played a lot of possessions in the mud.”

Damian Lillard echoed the sentiment, highlighting that floor spacing is a top priority for the roster, especially to complement Deni Avdija’s downhill style. By adding a player like Hachimura, the Blazers could create a more balanced offensive system, giving Lillard more room to operate and allowing Avdija to attack off the dribble without constant defensive congestion.

Portland’s Free Agency Situation

Portland enters the 2026 offseason with four free agents: Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III, Blake Wesley, and Caleb Love. Financially, the Blazers appear positioned to retain key two-way veterans Thybulle and Williams. Alternatively, the team could leverage the $15 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, which aligns closely with Hachimura’s current contract of $18.3 million with the Lakers.

While Hachimura’s ceiling is considered modest, a deal in the $15 million range could be mutually beneficial. For Portland, it would address a crucial roster need; for Hachimura, it offers an opportunity to take on a more significant role in a team that could highlight his shooting skills.

One variable is Robert Williams III, who is eligible for an extension before June 30. Williams has expressed a desire to remain in Portland and delivered one of his healthiest seasons to date, making retention a priority. Depending on how the Blazers handle Williams’ contract, the team may have flexibility to pursue Hachimura without compromising its core two-way defenders.

Why Hachimura Fits Portland

Rui Hachimura provides three-point reliability, size, and positional versatility, all critical for Portland’s playoff aspirations. His ability to hit from deep ensures that defenses cannot collapse solely on Lillard or Avdija. Hachimura’s presence would allow the Blazers to run off-ball screens, catch-and-shoot opportunities, and improved spacing for pick-and-roll scenarios.

Moreover, Hachimura’s consistency over multiple seasons proves he is not a short-term streak shooter. Teams often overvalue flashier scoring stars, but a reliable floor spacer like Hachimura can quietly transform a team’s offensive efficiency and improve offensive rating in ways that aren’t always obvious in box scores.

Recent Performance as a Reminder

Game 3 against the Thunder reinforced Hachimura’s importance as a floor spacer. His 21 points, including five three-pointers, showcased how he can influence the game even on a Lakers team facing injuries and lineup limitations. For Portland, a team looking to redefine its offensive identity post-Joe Cronin era and under new ownership from Tom Dundon, Hachimura represents a low-risk, high-reward signing that immediately improves spacing and shooting.

Strategic Considerations

The Blazers’ potential pursuit of Hachimura depends on balancing retention of core veterans with adding shooters. If the team elects to use the midlevel exception strategically, Hachimura’s shooting profile fits the Blazers’ long-term vision. With Lillard as the primary playmaker and Avdija attacking downhill, Hachimura could slot seamlessly as a three-and-D forward who stretches defenses without dominating the ball.

Hachimura’s addition could also relieve pressure on Lillard, reducing the number of possessions he has to create off the dribble and allowing the Blazers to maintain pace and efficiency against elite defensive teams in the Western Conference.

Conclusion

As Portland enters the first summer under new ownership, adding a sharpshooter like Rui Hachimura should be a top priority. With his career 39.4 percent three-point shooting, experience in high-pressure situations, and positional versatility, Hachimura offers a rare combination of floor spacing and reliability.

If the Blazers aim to remain competitive and better complement Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija’s strengths, Hachimura is an intriguing and practical free agency target. His Game 3 performance served as a reminder that while he may fly under the radar, Hachimura has quietly been one of the most effective shooters in the NBA this season.

For Portland, bringing in Hachimura could be the strategic move that transforms their offensive floor spacing and sets up the team for success in the upcoming season.