There’s been little to celebrate for Knicks fans over the last month, as their team tried to tread water through February without three and at times four starters. One silver lining from an otherwise underwhelming stretch is the emergence of Precious Achiuwa, once thought of as the throw-in of the OG Anunoby trade.
Not anymore. Achiuwa looks like a full-fledged NBA weapon at Tom Thibodeau’s disposal, bringing versatility once sorely lacking on this roster while being younger than Obi Toppin.
The 6-foot-8, 225-pound combo big averages 8.7 points and 7.4 rebounds as a Knick on 54.1 percent shooting from the field. He’s done everything asked of him and more, from rim-running as a backup five to filling gaps and switching defensively at the four spot.
As New York’s injured players slowly return, their coaching staff will have to determine how to utilize Achiuwa in a fully healthy rotation. At first pass, there’s no obvious slot for him once everybody’s back.
The Knicks starting lineup is likely to be Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Anunoby, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. That leaves four reserve roles for Isaiah Hartenstein, Josh Hart, Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, Miles McBride and Achiuwa.
Thibs is unlikely to stray from his shortened rotation, especially once the playoffs arrive, where he’s likely to tighten up even more. Hartenstein is the clear backup five option, they need one of Burks or McBride at the guard, and it would be surprising to go away from either Bogdanovic (newly acquired trade chip, deadeye 20+ PPG shooter) or Hart (culture-setter, do-it-all wing and Thibs' favorite).
Where does that leave Achiuwa? Injuries are always a factor and will likely alleviate some of this rotational logjam at some point, but until then the Knicks need to figure out Achiuwa.
