TOKYO - Rui Hachimura may be about to embark on a new journey with the Los Angeles Clippers, but Japan's longest-serving NBA player has revealed plans to eventually end his basketball career on home soil.
Speaking in a video posted on social media on Tuesday, the men's national team star said he hoped to one day play for his hometown Toyama Grouses, who will compete in the new top tier of Japanese men's professional basketball, the B.League Premier.
"I'll play there someday," the 28-year-old said. "Probably toward the end of my career."
Hachimura, who was born in Toyama, is set to begin his record-extending eighth NBA season after signing a two-year contract with the Clippers in July following his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 203-centimeter forward previously spoke about his desire to wrap up his playing career in Japan during an event in Kobe on Aug. 5.
Hachimura made his first appearance for Akatsuki Japan in about two years on Saturday, scoring a team-high 22 points in an 88-68 win over South Korea in Tokyo during a warm-up game ahead of the next Asian qualifying window for the 2027 Basketball World Cup.
Japan guard Yuki Kawamura will join Hachimura at Clippers training camp next month after signing an Exhibit 10 contract that gives him the chance to compete for a roster spot.
Kawamura was an unrestricted free agent after playing for the Chicago Bulls last season and then appearing for the Indiana Pacers in Summer League.
