Rui Hachimura (Mainichi/Naotsune Umemura)

       WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Rui Hachimura took another step toward resuming NBA action on Saturday, joining the Washington Wizards' morning shootaround before their game against the visiting Miami Heat.

       The informal practice session was Hachimura's first practice with teammates following an extended absence for personal reasons that sidelined him for the start of the season, as well as all of training camp and preseason.

       The 24-year-old star of the Japanese national team had only practiced individually following his return to Washington in early October.

       "The fact he was able to go through parts of shootaround today was terrific. I think it's just another step in his ramp-up," Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said.

       Hachimura is expected to train with the Wizards' minor league affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, before making his NBA return.

       Unseld earlier in the week said the Wizards faced a "challenge" reincorporating the third-year forward into the team and would not rush him back.

       The Wizards beat the Heat 103-100 to remain near the top of the Eastern Conference standings with 11 wins and five losses.

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