On Tuesday, the New York Knicks announced that they’ve re-signed free agent big man Precious Achiuwa. According to ESPN senior insider Adrian Wojnarowski, he’ll be returning on a one-year, $6 million contract.
Precious Achiuwa has agreed on a one-year, $6 million deal to return to the Knicks, his representative Raymond Brothers tells ESPN. https://t.co/UZoxIIk1kV
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 30, 2024
The 20th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Achiuwa was traded to the Knicks —along with OG Anunoby and Malachi Flynn —last December. In 49 games with the Knicks, he averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per contest.
Knicks Sign Free Agent Precious Achiuwa to One-Year Contract
Due to a logjam at the center position, Achiuwa seemed to be the odd man out entering the offseason. Yet, his return might have been in the cards all along.
New York undoubtedly wanted to bring back Isaiah Hartenstein, who couldn’t turn down a financial windfall. Signing a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he’ll now be one-half of their Slim Towers. If they had managed to convince Hartenstein to stay, Achiuwa may have had to sign elsewhere or accept an end of bench role.
However, the Knicks could have also been motivated to trade Mitchell Robinson if Hartenstein re-signed.
In an ego-less locker room, they could’ve co-existed peacefully. Yet, Robinson has a documented history of being outspoken about his desire to display his talents. This could simply be viewed as a nod to his shot-blocking skills, as he’s averaged 1.9 blocks per game throughout his career. However, the 26-year-old has also sought to prove he has a more expansive offensive game than he’s shown thus far, largely playing a rim-running role up to this point in his career.
With that said, barring a trade for a different backup center, Achiuwa was liable to be re-signed. If so, it makes sense to why he remained unsigned while coming off of one of his better seasons.
A Star In His Role
Though undersized for the center position at 6-foot-8, Achiuwa plays with a heart that’s bigger than him. With his fluidity magnified by his gumption, he’s a solid rotational piece.
The Nigerian pivot doesn’t look like he’ll be the next Hakeem Olajuwon. Nonetheless, he’s the type of player that can start in his role. In that respect, he’s similar to a player like Josh Hart. Hart isn’t going to win a team many if any games by himself. However, his motor helps him make an impact that exceeds his skill level.
