Precious Achiuwa has revived his career in Sacramento this season and he’s hoping it’s the start of a long-term relationship with the franchise, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee writes in a subscriber-only piece. The 26-year-old big man had 20 points and 11 rebounds on Sunday as the surprisingly hot Kings defeated Utah for their fourth win in the past five games.
Achiuwa came to Sacramento on a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract in November after Miami waived him before the start of the season. He has become a consistent presence in the starting lineup and is averaging 9.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 61 games while shooting 53.5% from the field. Achiuwa will be a free agent again this summer and hopes to re-sign with the Kings.
“I love Sacramento,” he said. “The city has embraced me. The team has embraced me, the organization from the front office to my teammates to the coaching staff. I would love to be here.”
There’s more on the Kings:
- Killian Hayes has also benefitted from a move to Sacramento, as the former lottery pick agreed to a two-year contract on Sunday after completing a pair of 10-day deals. Hayes has quickly become a member of the rotation and appears to be a lineup fixture for the rest of the season, giving him some stability after being out of the NBA for most of the past two years. “This is what I’ve been working for all year to get back in the league,” Hayes said, per Anderson. “I’m just super grateful to be here.”
- There was some speculation that DeMar DeRozan might be moved before the trade deadline, but he wound up staying put like most of the Kings’ other veterans. He has been on a scoring tear lately, including a season-high 41 points on Sunday, and coach Doug Christie is happy to still have him to anchor the offense, Anderson adds. “He’s like a comfy blanket,” Christie said. “It doesn’t surprise me. You watch him go about his business, you watch him work and then you see him play, it’s the same thing.”
- Christie repeated his opposition to tanking during Sunday’s pre-game press conference, which is posted on NBC Sports Bay Area. Christie explained that losing intentionally is detrimental for young players on the team and pointed out that Dallas won the lottery last year after defeating the Kings in the play-in tournament.
“I’m just super grateful to be here”.. because no one else in the league would be braindead enough to sign me.
Well, he is a guard, so check that actually . Bulls could use him
No ill will towards him , but really Sac yall can’t help yourselves huh
Congrats to Achiuwa, who was close to being out of the league. Looks like he’s guaranteed himself a few more years
Well, one things for sure, they are playing way better w/o Lavine, Murray and Sabonis in the Line Up !! I love Murray, but he has become way too injury prone. Maybe move Sabonis to PF and Murray to SF, might work better.
Possible New Line Up
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PF 6-11 Sabonis
SF 6-8 Murray or Trade
C 7-1 Raynaud
SG 6-5 Clifford
PG 6-2 Westbrook
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PF 6-8 Achiuwa
SF 6-7 Hunter
C 6-10 Cardwell
SG 6-5 Monk
PG 6-4 Hayes
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PF
SF
C
SG
PG
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Depending who they get in the Draft !!
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My Opinion
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Trade LeVine
Trade DeRozen
Trade Murray ???
Trade Carter
Precious having a nice last few games. Nice to see guys like him still work hard and try to get better.
Precious has earned 21 million in his career. That astounds me. Generational wealth for a role playing big who has never made an impact. Kudos NBAPA
Pocket watching?
Think of all the young men who dedicated their lives to playing basketball and never get any NBA money. Precious is a guy who fills a role and contributes. With the fantastic sums the NBA generates he should get paid. I’d argue the non-stars in the league should get more of the pie.