Achiuwa has emerged as a feel good story for the Sacramento Kings in recent games. But will this impact his future with the team?
Precious Achiuwa logged 41 minutes to lead the Sacramento Kings -- further earning his chances with the team.
But is he running out of time with the Kings, despite his late surge?
Achiuwa dropped 29 points for the second time in less than a week. Except the New Orleans Pelicans escaped with the 133-123 win on Thursday inside the Golden 1 Center.
Achiuwa sparked theories that he altered the Kings' future roster plans after his first 29-point outburst against the Dallas Mavericks. This team can still easily land inside the top five of the NBA draft including securing the top pick.
But Achiuwa won over multiple analysts who cover the team. James Ham of ESPN 1320 AM is one who's taking a liking to what he's seen.
"Precious Achiuwa is turning into a monster down the stretch of the season, auditioning for all 30 NBA teams. The 26-year-old scored 29 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, blocked 2 shots and added a steal. He's playing extremely well," Ham posted on X.
Frankie Cartoscelli of Sactown 1140 AM, though, doesn't sound optimistic that Achiuwa will stay beyond next season.
"I'm not sure if it will be in Sacramento, but Precious Achiuwa definitely deserves a look somewhere next season. Achiuwa has scored 14+ points in six of the past eight games," Cartoscelli posted on X.
Even coach Doug Christie is loving what he sees out of Achiuwa's development in the recent string of games.
"There's a level of energy that he brings. When he does that on a consistent basis, he changing a lot of things out there. He's driving, running the floor and has a physicality on defense," Christie described before the game with reporters.
Yet there's one aspect of Achiuwa that stunned Christie himself as he described.
"Mainly the biggest thing is, I didn't realize how versatile he is defensively. He's even guarded Donovan Mitchell and Kawhi Leonard," Christie said.
Christie also described how Achiuwa can guard the small ball "fives" on the floor with quickness and having a high basketball IQ. His defensive acumen came through in a big way -- pulling down 12 rebounds and creating two blocks.
Achiuwa still faces a nebulous future with the Kings. But if anything, he's marketed himself into earning a big contract this summer.
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