O Knicks announced that they great man rehired Precious Achiuwa this weekcompleting an active offseason and a beefed-up rotation set to compete.
After a highly successful negotiation by Mikal Bridgesinfusion of perspectives through draft and long-term agreements agreed with OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson and head coach Tom ThibodeauNew York’s backup center position was the only open question mark after losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency.
It took a few months before they finally agreed to Achiuwa’s terms, but it is unclear whether this was due to them seeking negotiations or the big man testing the market.
Ultimately, they opted to re-sign Achiuwa — who initially emerged as part of the Anunoby trade — on a one-year deal worth $6 million, establishing him as the likely second-string center. Fourth year man Jericho Sims will look to defend his position in training camp and pre-season, but assuming there isn’t a big jump, that makes Achiuwa his man.
Some fans may be understandably disappointed at the prospect. They were spoiled with two starting-caliber defenders in Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson sharing fifth place for two seasons.
But Achiuwa is no pushover, proving his worth in some of last season’s biggest moments in this very position. He may be a little smaller than your average center at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, but he more than makes up for that on the glass and with his defensive versatility.
The Knicks played Achiuwa at both frontcourt positions, often moving him around depending on who they had healthy. But while his limited offense hurt his minutes at four, his rim running and interior hustle at center provided his best minutes.
It took Achiuwa a few games to find his footing, but he slowly regained his role on both ends, displaying a strong defensive IQ combined with a high-effort approach that Thibodeau demands of his players. He began playing 20 minutes a night when Hartenstein missed time, recording three double-digit rebounding games in a four-game stretch off the bench before being inserted into the starting five following injuries to Julio Randle and Anunoby.
In his next 10 games, all as a starter, Achiuwa averaged 14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.6 shares on 56.1 percent shooting from the field, playing 40.4 minutes per game. He stepped up to play both big man positions, rising to the occasion with the Knicks decimated by injuries.
Achiuwa displayed unique value as a switchable defender, using his 6-foot-4 frame to protect positions one through five effectively. Although he gave up some size around the rim, that didn’t stop him from collecting 13.3% of available offensive rebounds – on par with Hartenstein – and 19.9% of defensive boards – eclipsing Robinson.
His motor and intensity helped create chaos and positive results for the Knicks where he should have been outplayed. He’s not afraid to be physical on either end and might be the best screenwriter in New York’s rotation right now.
When Achiuwa’s attack is limited to pick-and-roll and cuts or finishing hits, he is quite efficient. He has surprising lift and power on his rim attacks, drilling multiple posts last season, and his ability to make reads on short plays will be crucial in Hartenstein’s absence.
He may not be the same top facilitator, but he will bring a new dynamic that Hartenstein lacked. He is more switchable, runs faster and has real potential in his jump shot.
Achiuwa is just two years away from hitting 36 percent of his threes on 156 attempts in a season, something he could build on if he gets the green light and some off-season reps. Many are quick to forget that he will only be 25 years old to start next season, and this could be his first chance to play a consistent role in his short career.
Achiuwa’s breakout quickly fizzled as the Knicks returned to near-full health, and his minutes dwindled as the regular season came to an end. Then, after playing a combined ten minutes in New York’s first three playoff games, he made his mark when his team needed him most.
On the road in a crucial 4-on game Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, Achiuwa played 19 minutes, going 0 of 5 from the field, but confusing the current MVP and his team with the defense. As the game came down to the wire, he made two of his biggest plays, slamming home an Embiid three-point attempt and then stopping him at the rim with less than 30 seconds remaining and the Knicks up four.
Perhaps just these moments give Achiuwa the right to challenge for his spot. The Knicks can always pivot at the trade deadline, but finding a viable backup center isn’t that easy, and Achiuwa could be exactly what they need at that position.
