Sacramento Kings Sign Precious Achiuwa
The Sacramento Kings have made a significant addition to their roster by signing veteran center Precious Achiuwa to a one-year minimum contract, according to sources reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. This acquisition aims to enhance the Kings’ frontcourt, bolstering a team currently grappling with early-season struggles.
Strategic Roster Changes
In a related development, the Kings released the young center Isaac Jones to create space for Achiuwa, reflecting a strategic shift towards more experienced players to improve the squad’s overall performance.
Achiuwa’s Career Overview
Precious Achiuwa enters his sixth season in the NBA after being drafted by the Miami Heat in 2020. His most productive stint came during three years with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 8.9 points and 6.1 rebounds over 21.6 minutes across 153 games. Most recently, he was involved in the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks in December 2023, before re-signing with New York in the summer of 2024. Achiuwa provided solid contributions off the bench during his time with the Knicks, participating in 17 playoff games, including two starts.
Current Team Challenges
The Kings are currently searching for ways to improve their dismal 2-5 record following their recent loss to the Denver Nuggets, with their defensive rating ranking as the fourth worst in the league at 118.3 points allowed per 100 possessions. The absence of Keegan Murray, a fourth-year forward who is sidelined due to a UCL tear in his left thumb, has compounded their struggles.
Murray’s injury has resulted in Russell Westbrook stepping into a starting role, having also joined the Kings on a one-year minimum deal. Achiuwa appears poised to play a crucial role off the bench as the Kings aim to regain their footing in this early part of the season.
