Photo Credit: Paul Sancya / Associated Press

Rui Hachimura Unfollowed Everyone While Taking Mental Health Break

When the Washington Wizards decided to select Rui Hachimura with their 9th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Hachimura became the first Japanese player ever taken in the first round.

Ever since, Rui has become a global ambassador of the game. This status has obviously led to him becoming a bigger celebritiy than most young players. Pair this with two season basically without any time off and you might have an explanation why things simply got too much for Hachimura.

Rui currently is on a team approved absence for personal reasons – he reportedly wanted to focus on his mental health.

Wizards F Rui Hachimura informed the team and coaching staff via text last week that he’d be absent from the beginning of training camp.

Hachimura is using the time to address his mental health, per sources.

— Quinton Mayo (@RealQuintonMayo) September 27, 2021

Additionally, it seems that Hachimura unfollowed every Instagram account, expect the one of his own clothing line.

It looks like Wizards F Rui Hachimura has unfollowed everyone on Instagram (other than his apparel page “Black Samurai”).

Hachimura has yet to report to Wizards training camp due to personal reasons. pic.twitter.com/Xt23cWkdVW

— Quinton Mayo (@RealQuintonMayo) October 5, 2021

While there is no timetable for Hachimura’s return, let’s hope he takes the time he needs before returning.