Rui Hachimura

It’s sometimes said that humans become the “sum” of the five people they spend the most time with. If said quote is true on the basketball court, Rui Hachimura stands to benefit immensely, given the number of all-world shot creators often alongside him. Free to test the depths of his creativity after encouraging Haywood Highsmith to bite on his pump fake, Hachimura threatens a drive, prompting the gravitational pull of all five Miami Heat defenders at once. Metamorphosing into some blend of pass-first Los Angeles Lakers legends of both past and present, Hachimura gathers into an in-air, no-look dime, freezing Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Tyler Herro just effectively enough to hit a teammate for a corner trifecta. Knowing L.A. to be in need of some semblance of rhythm, Hachimura offered his hand in victory through a 23-point contribution (on 9-of-15 shooting), accompanied by eight rebounds, one steal, and two 3-pointers on January 15, 2025.