Achiuwa shines, eyeing a long-term future in Sacramento after a standout performance and embracing the Kings' culture.
Following the Sacramento Kings' fourth victory in their last five outings, a 116-111 win over the Utah Jazz Sunday evening, sixth-year forward Precious Achiuwa sounded off on the team's recent success.
"I think this just goes to guys, you know, playing the right way. I wouldn't say we're doing anything drastically different. It's just we're following the game plan, you know, playing the right way, playing hard, playing winning basketball," Achiuwa said.
Against Utah, Achiuwa recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds, giving him back-to-back double-doubles and his ninth of the season.
He also credited the Kings' veteran leaders for their impressive play as of late. Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook recently became the oldest player in NBA history to record 20/10/10 with no turnovers, according to the Real App, doing so against the Chicago Bulls earlier in the week.
Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan led the way Sunday with a season-high 41 points and 11 assists, surprising Achiuwa with his willingness to share the wealth.
Following the game, Achiuwa was asked if he was more impressed with his teammate's season-high 41 points or eleven assists, to which he responded with no hesitation.
"11 assists, 100-percent. I've never seen him pass the ball that often," Achiuwa said.
But perhaps the most prominent thing Achiuwa said Sunday night was about his future in Sacramento. Achiuwa signed a one-year veteran minimum deal with the Kings midway through the season, but has played above his pay grade, especially since the All-Star Break.
Achiuwa, a University of Memphis product, is averaging 9.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting at a 53.5-percent mark. However, since the break, Achiuwa has looked like a completely different player, jumping up to 16.8 points, 9.6 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks in shooting 59.8 percent from the floor.
He spoke on his appreciation for the Kings and giving him an opportunity, telling media he would love to be back next season.
"Absolutely. I love Sacramento. The city’s embraced me, the team’s embraced me, the organization—from the front office to my teammates and the coaching staff. I truly, truly love being here, and I would really love to be here. I hope once the offseason comes around, they’ll be willing to have me come back.”
Achiuwa has definitely lined himself up for a long-term deal with his play this season. Kings head coach Doug Christie seconded these remarks, praising Achiuwa for his professionalism and mindset.
"He's so coachable. He's a pleasure as a coach because he's listening," Christie said. He wants to win, he's about the team, all the right things. He wants to win so he'll be upset but then he lets it go and the smile is back on his face."
Achiuwa will have his hands full on the defensive end Tuesday night as the Kings welcome the scorching hot San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama to Golden 1 Center Tuesday night at 10:00 p.m. ET.
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