Sacramento Kings Sign Precious Achiuwa to Bolster Frontcourt Depth

The Sacramento Kings have officially signed free agent center Precious Achiuwa to a one-year veteran minimum contract, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. This move comes as the Kings aim to address their frontcourt depth following a challenging start to the 2025-26 NBA season, where they currently hold a 2-5 record. To make room for Achiuwa, the Kings waived second-year center Isaac Jones, who had struggled to find consistent playing time.

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Achiuwa, 26, was drafted 20th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA Draft and has since played for the Heat, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 57 games for the Knicks last season, primarily serving as a bench player. His experience and versatility are expected to provide the Kings with much-needed rebounding and defensive capabilities, particularly with starting power forward Keegan Murray sidelined due to a thumb injury.

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Achiuwa's NBA journey began with the Miami Heat, where he had a limited role in his rookie season. His most productive period came during his tenure with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 8.9 points and 6.1 rebounds over three seasons. He was later traded to the Knicks as part of the OG Anunoby deal in December 2023. Despite being waived by the Heat before the current season, Achiuwa's reputation as a high-energy, defensive-minded player has made him an attractive option for the Kings.

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The Kings' decision to sign Achiuwa reflects their urgent need for frontcourt depth. With Murray out, head coach Doug Christie has had to rely on smaller lineups, often using veteran Russell Westbrook in a power forward role. Achiuwa's ability to play both the four and five positions will allow the Kings to explore various lineup configurations, enhancing their defensive flexibility. Currently, Sacramento ranks among the bottom teams in the league for both offensive and defensive efficiency, making Achiuwa's addition a critical step toward improving their performance.

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The Kings' front office has expressed confidence in Achiuwa's ability to contribute immediately. Achiuwa himself stated, "I’m excited for this opportunity to help the Kings stabilize their frontcourt and bring my defensive skills to the team." Meanwhile, the decision to waive Jones has drawn mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment over losing a young player who showed promise during his time with the team.

Sacramento Kings Sign Precious Achiuwa: Veteran Big Joins Struggling Team on One-Year Deal

Despite the potential benefits of signing Achiuwa, some analysts have questioned the decision to waive Jones, citing his developmental potential and fan support. Critics argue that the Kings could have opted to release other players with less impact on the roster, such as Dario Saric or Doug McDermott, instead of parting ways with Jones.

Kings waive a surprising player to make room for Precious Achiuwa

As the Kings prepare for their upcoming games, Achiuwa's integration into the lineup will be closely monitored. His performance could play a significant role in determining the Kings' trajectory as they seek to improve their standing in the Western Conference. The team will need to balance immediate needs with long-term development as they navigate the challenges of the current season.

Sacramento Kings Sign Precious Achiuwa: Veteran Big Joins Struggling Team on One-Year Deal