One of the biggest moves the Toronto Raptors made this season was trading O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks.
This resulted in RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley coming to Toronto. Becoming two building blocks alongside Scottie Barnes as the Raptors begin their rebuild.
March 27 featured Anunoby’s return to Scotiabank Arena, but unfortunately he is sidelined with an elbow injury. However, Achiuwa suited up for the Knicks and impressed in his return to Toronto.
In 27 minutes, the former Raptor put up 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks on 8-for-13 from the field. After struggling to find minutes under head coach Darko Rajakovic, Achiuwa is finding his stride in New York.
Rajakovic spoke about his former player and believed that he is starting to figure out what he has to do on the floor to be successful, via Aaron Rose of Sports Illustrated:
“I think he’s realizing what he needs to do and what it takes to stay on the court and that’s doing what he does best. When he plays aggressively, when he rebounds the ball, when he keeps the game simple, he’s extremely good player. He found that role really well on the Knicks team and he’s playing well.”
Still only 24-years-old, there was still time for the 6’8″ forward to find his footing in the league. After struggling to find minutes with the Miami Heat and inconsistent play with the Raptors, the Knicks have found something.
New York head coach Tom Thibodeau has shown to keep his rotation tight through the playoffs. If Achiuwa is able to provide production off the bench, he will be a key piece for an expected long playoff run for the Knicks.
Precious Achiuwa’s stats for the Knicks
In 40 games, starting 18 with New York, he is averaging 8.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 53.5% from the field and 26.7% from three-point range.
Depending on Julius Randle’s return, Achiuwa could experience a diminished role. However, if he sustains this play, Thibodeau could trust him to play come playoff time.
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