Why Knicks' Precious Achiuwa is poised to excel as a reliable backup center

The Knicks made a big move this week by re-signing Precious Achiuwa, solidifying their roster for the upcoming season. With an active offseason, the team has built a strong rotation that is ready to compete at a high level.

After a blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges, infusion of prospects via the draft, and long-term deals agreed to with OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson and head coach Tom Thibodeau, New York’s backup center position was the lone open question mark after losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency.

It took them some months before they finally agreed on terms with Achiuwa, but it’s unclear if that was due to them shopping around for trades or the big man testing the market.

Ultimately, they chose to re-up Achiuwa - who initially dawned the blue-and-orange as part of the Anunoby trade - on a one-year, $6 million deal, setting him up as the likely second-string center. Fourth-year man Jericho Sims will try to make his case in training camp and the preseason, but assuming there’s no big leap, that makes Achiuwa their man.

Some fans may be understandably underwhelmed at the prospect. They’ve been spoiled with two starting-caliber defensive stalwarts in Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson sharing the five spot for two seasons.

But Achiuwa is no pushover, proving himself in some of the biggest moments of last season’s run at this very same position. He may be a bit smaller than your average center at 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds, but he more than makes up for it on the glass and with his defensive versatility.

The Knicks played Achiuwa at both frontcourt positions, often moving him around depending on who they had healthy. But while his limited offense was a drag on his minutes at the four, his rim-running and interior hustle at the center spot made for his best minutes.

It took Achiuwa a few games to find his footing, but he slowly picked up his role on both ends, displaying a strong defensive IQ matched with a high-effort approach Thibodeau requires from his players. He started seeing 20 minutes a night when Hartenstein missed some time, putting up three double-digit rebound games out of a span of four off the bench before being inserted into the starting five following injuries to Julius Randle and Anunoby.

In his next 10 games, all starts, Achiuwa averaged 14.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.6 stocks on 56.1 percent shooting from the field, playing 40.4 minutes per game. He stepped up to play both big man spots, rising to the occasion with the Knicks decimated by injuries.

Achiuwa displayed unique value as a switchable defender, using his 6-foot-8 frame to guard positions one through five effectively. While he gave up some size around the rim, that didn’t stop him from collecting 13.3 percent of available offensive rebounds - on par with Hartenstein - and 19.9 percent of defensive boards - eclipsing Robinson.

His motor and intensity helped create chaos and positive outcomes for the Knicks where he should’ve been outmatched. He’s not afraid to be physical on either end, and may be the best screensetter in New York’s rotation at the moment.

When Achiuwa’s offense is limited to the pick-and-roll and finishing cuts or putbacks, he’s plenty efficient. He has surprising lift and power on his rim attacks, punching through multiple posters last season, and his ability to make reads out of the short roll will be crucial in the absence of Hartenstein.

He can’t be the same high-post facilitator, but he’ll bring new dynamics Hartenstein lacked. He’s more switchable, runs the floor quicker and has real potential on his jumpshot.

Achiuwa’s only two years removed from hitting 36 percent of his threes on 156 attempts in a season, something he can build on if he’s given the green light and some offseason reps. Many are quick to forget he’ll only be 25 to start next season, and this may be his first chance to have a consistent role in his short career.

Achiuwa’s breakout quickly fizzled as the Knicks returned to near-full health, and his minutes dwindled as the regular season came to a close. Then, after playing a combined ten minutes in New York’s first three playoff games, he made his mark when his team needed him most.

On the road in a pivotal Game 4 against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, Achiuwa played 19 minutes, going 0-for-5 from the field, but confounding the reigning MVP and his squad with defense. As the game went down to the wire, he made two of its biggest plays, swatting an Embiid three-point attempt and then stopping him at the rim with under 30 seconds to go and the Knicks up four.

Perhaps those moments alone earn Achiuwa the right to play for his spot. The Knicks can always pivot at the trade deadline, but finding a viable backup center isn’t so easy, and Achiuwa may just be exactly what they need from the position.