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Tom Thibodeau Praises Knicks' 'Big Plus' Precious Achiuwa

With injuries in the post, Precious Achiuwa has outplayed expectations since his trade to the New York Knicks.

Jeremy Brener

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When the New York Knicks traded for OG Anunoby back in late December, they also received Precious Achiuwa, who was seen as somewhat of a throwaway. But the Knicks have found a lot of value with Achiuwa since he arrived in Manhattan, especially considering the injuries that have eaten away at the interior.

Since joining the Knicks, Achiuwa is averaging 8.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, including a season-high 23 points against the Orlando Magic in their last game on Wednesday. It was the latest start for Achiuwa, who has started each of the last nine games since Julius Randle went down with a dislocated shoulder on Jan. 27. In that span, Achuiwa has averaged 13.9 points (on over 54 percent shooting) and has pulled in 10.2 rebounds (4.6 on offense).

Jalen Green Precious Achiuwa Knicks Rockets
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Despite the Knicks (33-22) dropping four in a row entering this weekend's All-Star break, he made sure to give Achuiwa his due in the wake of ascension into the starting,

“With Isaiah (Hartenstein), showing us, and then Precious coming in, there were obviously things that we liked about them," Thibodeau said after Wednesday's loss. "That’s why we traded for him, but he’s shown us a lot and it’s given us more versatility. We have size now at the four. He can play the four or the five and play it well. He’s got great feet, so that’s a big plus for us."

Even when Randle returns, Achuiwa has a decent role to play, as he can provide depth that was traded away when Obi Toppin was sent to Indiana. His inclusion will perhaps define what the Knicks have left in the tank, as their deadline deals (with Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks joining December arrival OG Anunoby) made them one of the deepest teams in the Association on paper.

WATCH: Knicks' Jacob Toppin Calls Upon Brother Obi's Help in Slam Dunk Contest

After the All-Star break, Achuiwa and the Knicks return to the floor Thursday on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m. ET, MSG).

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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