News recently broke of Precious Achiuwa’s signing, a key move by the New York Knicks to bring back one of their most important backups from last season. The Knicks signed the big man to a one-year $6 million deal, indicating that he is not their long-term commitment. The move will open up financial flexibility next offseason when Jalen Brunson’s extension kicks in and Julius Randle has a new deal.
Achiuwa was the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Knicks as a part of the OG Anunoby deal that also involved Malachi Flynn last December. In 49 games with the Knicks, he averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per contest.
What’s Precious Achiuwa’s Role on the New-Look Knicks?
Precious Achiuwa’s Role Last Season
Achiuwa was brought in as the third center on the depth chart behind Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson. However, the injury to Robinson meant that Achiuwa played solid minutes for the team. Achiuwa averaged 24.2 minutes per game, backing up Hartenstein. New York was -0.6 with Achiuwa, and he did not have a discernible impact on the team. According to Cleaning The Glass, the Knicks fielded a 48th-percentile offense and a 58th-percentile defense with Achiuwa on the floor.
Achiuwa was a replacement-level player who was serviceable on the Knicks because of Hartenstein’s constant presence. He carried the bulk of the load and was so dominant that they could afford to lose by a couple of points in Achiuwa’s minutes. For example, New York went 32-17 with Achiuwa. But they went just 8-10 in the games he started. He averaged 36.5 minutes per game in those 18 games and put up 12.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks on 52.6% from the field.
His Role This Season
The absence of another solid big on the roster indicates that Achiuwa is second on the depth chart. He will be the primary backup to Robinson for the 2024-25 season. For New York to have a great season and push for the title, Achiuwa must have his best season ever. The Knicks do not have the luxury of Hartenstein to fall back on if Robinson gets injured. He has played over 80% of an NBA season (65 games) just twice in his career. If he is injured, expect Achiuwa’s role to expand in the system.
Furthermore, even when Robinson is healthy, this must be the best offensive season in Achiuwa’s career. It is not an exaggeration to say that Robinson is the worst free-throw shooter in the NBA. Robinson’s lack of an offensive bag makes him almost unplayable in close moments. Achiuwa will likely play center in clutch games, and he must be good enough to ensure the Knicks do not falter in those moments.
The Last Word on Precious Achiuwa’s New Role on the Knicks
Achiuwa may be the missing piece for the Knicks to have their best season this millennium. He is a good backup and reliable player. But, there is a scenario where he is not what the Knicks need from their backup. He is undersized, meaning that quality bigs can easily score against him.
The Knicks were fortunate to get Achiuwa to waive his no-trade clause. If this doesn’t work out and Achiuwa struggles to have a positive impact, New York can move him near the trade deadline. His expiring contract will be a good addition to any trade, as teams can offload his salary.
