After a flurry of offseason moves that saw the New York Knicks acquire Mikal Bridges, secure key prospects through the draft, and lock down long-term contracts with OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, and head coach Tom Thibodeau, the team’s only remaining question mark was at the backup center position. The departure of Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency left a gap, but the Knicks eventually filled it by re-signing Precious Achiuwa to a one-year, $6 million deal.
The delay in finalizing Achiuwa’s return could have been due to the Knicks exploring other trade options or the big man testing the free-agent market. However, once the decision was made, Achiuwa became the frontrunner for the second-string center role. While Jericho Sims will have the chance to compete during training camp, Achiuwa’s experience and performance last season suggest he is the more likely candidate.
Some Knicks fans might feel underwhelmed by the choice, given that they’ve enjoyed the defensive prowess of both Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson sharing the center duties over the past two seasons. However, Achiuwa has proven himself to be a reliable option, especially during key moments in the previous season. Despite being slightly undersized for a center at 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, Achiuwa compensates with his rebounding skills and defensive versatility.
Last season, the Knicks utilized Achiuwa across both frontcourt positions, adjusting his role based on team health. While his offensive limitations at power forward were evident, his effectiveness as a rim-runner and hustle player in the center role became his strength. Initially, it took Achiuwa a few games to adapt, but he eventually found his rhythm on both ends of the court, showing a strong defensive IQ and the high effort that Thibodeau demands from his players.
When Hartenstein was sidelined, Precious Achiuwa stepped up, averaging over 20 minutes per game and posting three double-digit rebound performances in four games off the bench. As injuries to Julius Randle and Anunoby further depleted the lineup, Achiuwa was promoted to the starting five, where he excelled. In his next 10 games as a starter, Achiuwa averaged 14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.6 stocks (steals plus blocks) on 56.1% shooting, logging over 40 minutes per game. His ability to fill both big man roles was crucial during this stretch.
Achiuwa’s value lies in his defensive versatility. He can effectively guard positions one through five, despite giving up size at the rim. His rebounding metrics are impressive, with offensive rebound rates comparable to Hartenstein’s and defensive rebounding percentages surpassing Robinson. His physicality and motor create positive outcomes for the Knicks, often in situations where he seems outmatched.
Offensively, Achiuwa thrives in simplified roles such as pick-and-rolls, finishing cuts, and putbacks. His surprising lift and power around the rim led to several highlight-reel dunks last season. Moreover, his ability to make smart reads in the short roll will be vital in the absence of Hartenstein’s high-post facilitation. While Achiuwa may not replicate Hartenstein’s playmaking, he offers a different dynamic with his switchability, quicker transition play, and potential for a reliable jump shot.
Achiuwa’s shooting potential is noteworthy; just two seasons ago, he shot 36% from three on 156 attempts. If given the green light and proper offseason preparation, he could develop this aspect of his game further. At only 25 years old, Achiuwa is still early in his career and may finally have the opportunity to establish himself in a consistent role.
Although his minutes dwindled as the Knicks regained health towards the end of last season, Precious Achiuwa made his mark in the playoffs when it mattered most. In a pivotal Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers, Achiuwa played 19 crucial minutes, despite struggling offensively, by making key defensive stops against reigning MVP Joel Embiid. His ability to rise to the occasion in such high-pressure moments underscores his value to the team.
Given these factors, Achiuwa is poised to be a dependable backup center for the Knicks this season. While the team could still explore other options before the trade deadline, finding a reliable backup center is no easy task, and Achiuwa might be exactly what the Knicks need at this position.
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