The Toronto Raptors did not extend Precious Achiuwa’s contract ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Therefore, Achiuwa will be heading into restricted free agency after this season, assuming the Raptors tender him a $6.28-million qualifying offer.
Achiuwa didn’t want to talk about the extension falling through to reporters, but instead wanted to talk about the upcoming season.
Achiuwa will now join a list of pending free agents on the Raptors, including Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Otto Porter Jr., Thad Young, Garrett Temple and Malachi Flynn who are also set to become free agents.
With the season starting, Achiuwa is focused on his strengths on the court. He is confident in his ability to defend and believes he is one of the best defenders in the league:
Precious Achiuwa didn’t comment on not signing an extension, but sounds optimistic about the season, doubled down on his comments about his individual D the other day: “I’m one of the best defenders in the league, there’s not five guys who can cover 1-thru-5 like I can.”
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) October 24, 2023
Achiuwa did showcase a great job of switching on defense last season which is is strong suit.
Along with improving his defense for this season, the Raptors are hoping that Achiuwa can get better offensively as well. He shot it only 27 percent from deep and needs to tighten up his ball handling. He was careless with the basketball far too many times last season.
Of course, Achiuwa needs to stay healthy which is the most important thing. He only played in 55 games last season due to injury.
Rajakovic believes Barnes can become the defensive player of the year
Achiuwa isn’t the only player on the Raptors with a high ceiling on defense. Scottie Barnes has a chance to be great defensively as well.
Darko Rajakovic believes Barnes can thrive on the defensive end. He thinks Barnes can become the Defensive Player of the Year one day.
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