Every NBA player who returns to an arena he formerly called home has a rush of emotions brought on by recollections of living and working in familiar surroundings.
Precious Achiuwa had her first experience as a member of the New York the raptors headcoach Darko Rajakovic has make an adjustments on the blockbuster trade…… on Wednesday night at Scotiabank Arena. The 24-year-old Achiuwa, who is in his fourth NBA season, had to adjust to life in a new city following the blockbuster trade that sent him and OG Anunoby to New York at the end of December.
“It’s been good, you know, I can’t really complain,” Achiuwa said after the Knicks’ shootaround, just hours before the Raptors suffered their worst lopsided home loss in franchise history, 145-101.
According to Achiuwa, the most significant changes have occurred on the court. He was a backup forward for the majority of his two-plus seasons with the Raptors, but his role has grown dramatically on a Knicks team that intends to make a deep postseason run.
In 39 games with New York, Achiuwa has averaged 26.2 minutes per game, which is nearly ten more than he had with the Raptors this season. He has also made 18 starts for the Knicks, replacing Mitchell Robinson when he was injured. Robinson returned on Wednesday after missing more than three months with an ankle injury.
Achiuwa averages 8.4 points and 7.7 rebounds as a Knick, up slightly from 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds in Toronto. He did that and more off the bench on Wednesday night, scoring 19 points and collecting 13 rebounds.
Coach Tom Thibodeau has been impressed by Achiuwa’s ability to play numerous spots while maintaining defensive intensity.
“He’s still young enough where he can grow, and I think he’s adding a lot to our team, and we needed it (when) we’ve been down bodies,” Thibodeau said in a statement. “He stepped in and did a terrific job.”
Achiuwa’s achievements have not gone unnoticed by his previous coach.
“I think it’s him realizing what he needs to do and what it takes to stay on the court, and that’s doing what he does best,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “When he plays aggressively, when he rebounds the ball, when he keeps the game simple, he’s an extremely good player.”headcoach Darko Rajakovic
