The debate is on with whether or not Achiuwa's breakout late surge will alter the Kings' roster, even on draft night.
Precious Achiuwa forced the night time sky in California's state capitol to light up in purple Thursday.
Perhaps he just enlightened the Sacramento Kings to make him part of their future plans...even during draft night in four months from now.
Achiuwa dropped an astonishing 29 points on Thursday to hand the Kings a 130-121 stunning victory against the Dallas Mavericks. He hit that mark on a night Daeqwon Plowden played the role of surprise closer during the fourth quarter by dropping 11 points to seal the win.
But did Achiuwa seal his future on the Kings? The debate sparked after the stunner over Dallas as a hot topic among fans and local media.
Matt George represents the latter for Sactown 1140 AM. George is a believer that Achiuwa has earned his stardom.
"He's been such a good story for the Kings," George began. "Someone who came from off the couch, didn't have a job and didn't have a spot in the league. He gets called in and signs a one-year deal with the Kings because of the injury issues they've been dealing with and has damn near been a starter."
However, George believes Achiuwa just created a stronger free agent market for himself.
"I think Precious Achiuwa is going to be an important role player on a playoff team next season," George said.
Perhaps an aspiring contender can look closely into Achiuwa -- especially one needing a double-double presence and improvement inside the post.
Yet fans have embraced the sudden surge from Achiuwa.
"Precious Achiuwa really decided tonight was his night. That putback in the final two minutes to stop the Mavs' comeback was the definition of clutch. Career night for a reason," one fan posted on the social media website X, formerly known as Twitter.
Another fan mentioned the effect the 6-foot-8 forward has brought to the floor.
"Precious Achiuwa's last 5 games showing 59% FG and 57% from three proves role players elevate when system finally lets them. This Achiuwa run signals whatever team he's on found offensive rhythm instead of defensive anchoring him down," the fan posted.
Fortunately for the Kings, they don't have to deal with a salary cap structure like the NFL. Achiuwa can still be brought back -- especially if the team plans to move on from names like Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine via trades.
Re-adding Achiuwa, however, could prevent Sacramento from going with the projected top pick AJ Dybantsa since he's a forward. The Kings may want a more versatile facilitator like Kingston Flemings of Houston or even Duke's Cam Boozer if Achiuwa were to re-sign.
Regardless, Achiuwa is becoming the new toast of Sacramento...and bound for a higher paycheck.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our KINGS ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected.