The New York Knicks are on the verge of regaining an important piece of their rotation as Precious Achiuwa nears a return from injury. The 25-year-old center has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the Knicks’ final preseason game and has yet to make his debut in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau provided an encouraging update, indicating that Achiuwa could suit up as early as next week, according to a report by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
Achiuwa will likely give the Knicks’ bench an incredible boost
Achiuwa was a key contributor for the Knicks last season, averaging 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while anchoring the interior defense. His return couldn’t come at a more opportune moment for New York, whose bench currently ranks last in the NBA in scoring, contributing just 20.8 points per game.
Beyond bolstering the second unit, Achiuwa’s return will also provide the Knicks with more lineup flexibility. He could form a formidable frontcourt pairing with Karl-Anthony Towns when needed, adding size and defensive prowess to the lineup. Achiuwa himself has expressed a focus on regaining full confidence before stepping back onto the court, signaling that his return is closely tied to his readiness to perform at his best.
As the Knicks aim to solidify their standing as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, Achiuwa’s impending return could prove vital to their continued success.