SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Precious Achiuwa, now a member of the Sacramento Kings, believes he is in a position that aligns better with his playing style, especially after facing challenges during his time with the New York Knicks. Speaking in a recent interview, Achiuwa expressed that the previous season’s Knicks bench, which ranked last in points scored and minutes played, should not be judged too harshly.
“You could never say the bench is not good if you don’t play the bench. How are you supposed to know that?” Achiuwa remarked, asserting that their talents were not given a fair chance to shine.
At 26, Achiuwa made a significant impact during his time with the Knicks after being traded there in 2023. His performance included a noteworthy 17-game period where he averaged 12.7 points and 9.8 rebounds in 37 minutes per game, stepping up particularly when Julius Randle was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. The support from fans at Madison Square Garden was evident during this stretch, highlighting his contribution to the team.
In the summer of 2024, Achiuwa re-signed with the Knicks for $6 million but faced setbacks due to a hamstring strain in preseason. This injury led to inconsistency in his playing time under coach Tom Thibodeau, culminating in his limited role during the playoffs. Now with the Kings, Achiuwa looks forward to a fresh start and the opportunity to maximize his potential in a new environment.
With a positive outlook for the season ahead, Achiuwa’s determination and adaptability highlight the importance of finding the right fit for athletes in the competitive landscape of professional basketball.