Precious Achiuwa will never be the centerpiece of the Knicks-Raptors blockbuster — that title has been reserved for OG Anunoby.
And for however long the Knicks continue their tear following the deal — 14-2 after Tuesday night’s 118-103 win over the Jazz — and for however long Anunoby remains a key piece of the organization, that won’t change.
But while the Knicks operate without Julius Randle, who dislocated his right shoulder Saturday, Achiuwa has carved out a role in the rotation.
In his second consecutive start, he tied a season-high with 18 points while adding five rebounds and two blocks across 40 minutes as the Knicks cruised past the Jazz for their eighth consecutive win.
“I’m getting more and more comfortable with my teammates,” Achiuwa said. “They’re getting comfortable with me and my style of play as well, and just playing the right way, making the right reads.”
Achiuwa’s role has steadily increased since arriving. It started with 8 minutes, 34 seconds in his debut. He reached 20 minutes Jan. 9. And for the past six games, Achiuwa has logged at least 21 minutes, which happened just six times across 25 games with the Raptors this season before the trade.
The Knicks have relied on Achiuwa with Randle out, and he’s demonstrated an ability to “handle” playing both center — his primary spot in Toronto — as well as Randle’s power forward spot.
“He’s skilled,” Thibodeau said. “He can put the ball on the floor. He can make a play, and I think his defense, he’s got great feet and when he plays with high intensity, he covers a lot of ground.”
In the first quarter Tuesday, Jalen Brunson threaded a pass to Achiuwa cutting backdoor for a layup, and at one point in the second half, Achiuwa caught a transition pass and was surrounded by a trio of Jazz defenders.
At first, it looked like he might dribble back out. That would have allowed the Knicks to reset their offense. But then he backed down a few strides, spun through the defense and converted a shot.
“Versatility has always been a strength of mine, and … we have a need for guys, bodies, with guys being out and stuff like that,” Achiuwa said. “Guys just gotta step up and play, and me and my versatility, I think that kind of adds to the team.”
His new role, and the new spark he’s added as a starter, might not last. Randle, someone who Achiuwa said no single player can replace, will snag the primary power forward spot again.
Josh Hart will continue floating between wing and power forward, drawing minutes at each when needed.
But Achiuwa has kept maximizing his taste of an expanded role. He’s not just a footnote to a trade anymore.
