Tom Thibodeau Praises Knicks' 'Big Plus' Precious Achiuwa
When the New York Knicks traded for OG Anunoby back in late December, they also received Precious Achiuwa, who was seen as somewhat of a throwaway. But the Knicks have found a lot of value with Achiuwa since he arrived in Manhattan, especially considering the injuries that have eaten away at the interior.
Since joining the Knicks, Achiuwa is averaging 8.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, including a season-high 23 points against the Orlando Magic in their last game on Wednesday. It was the latest start for Achiuwa, who has started each of the last nine games since Julius Randle went down with a dislocated shoulder on Jan. 27. In that span, Achuiwa has averaged 13.9 points (on over 54 percent shooting) and has pulled in 10.2 rebounds (4.6 on offense).
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Despite the Knicks (33-22) dropping four in a row entering this weekend's All-Star break, he made sure to give Achuiwa his due in the wake of ascension into the starting,
“With Isaiah (Hartenstein), showing us, and then Precious coming in, there were obviously things that we liked about them," Thibodeau said after Wednesday's loss. "That’s why we traded for him, but he’s shown us a lot and it’s given us more versatility. We have size now at the four. He can play the four or the five and play it well. He’s got great feet, so that’s a big plus for us."
Even when Randle returns, Achuiwa has a decent role to play, as he can provide depth that was traded away when Obi Toppin was sent to Indiana. His inclusion will perhaps define what the Knicks have left in the tank, as their deadline deals (with Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks joining December arrival OG Anunoby) made them one of the deepest teams in the Association on paper.
After the All-Star break, Achuiwa and the Knicks return to the floor Thursday on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m. ET, MSG).
