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

Veteran Presence: Achiuwa Adds Depth to Kings’ Frontcourt

The Sacramento Kings have made a move that could help stabilize their season, agreeing to a one-year veteran minimum contract with Precious Achiuwa, sources told ESPN and Reuters. The signing comes as the Kings search for answers amid a rocky 2-5 start and a frontcourt hampered by injuries and inconsistency.

Achiuwa, 26, brings a blend of athleticism, defensive versatility, and experience to a team desperately seeking a spark. The Kings released second-year center Isaac Jones to create roster space, signaling a shift toward proven talent rather than developing prospects. It’s a pragmatic decision for a franchise whose defensive woes have been well-documented—Sacramento currently ranks fourth-worst in the NBA for defensive rating, allowing 118.3 points per 100 possessions.

Precious Achiuwa: From Draft Day to Sacramento

Drafted 20th overall by the Miami Heat in 2020 out of Memphis, Achiuwa entered the league with high expectations. While his rookie year in Miami showed flashes of promise, it was his tenure in Toronto that established him as a reliable contributor. Over three seasons and 153 games with the Raptors, Achiuwa averaged 8.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and played 21.6 minutes per game—figures that highlight his value as a rotation big.

The journey continued in December 2023 when Achiuwa was traded to the New York Knicks as part of the OG Anunoby deal. With the Knicks, he found a steady role off the bench, even starting twice during their playoff run. Last season, Achiuwa played 57 games (10 starts), averaging 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per contest. Those numbers might not leap off the stat sheet, but his impact went beyond raw statistics: energy, rim protection, and a willingness to battle on every possession.

Kings’ Early Season Struggles and the Need for Reinforcements

For Sacramento, the timing of Achiuwa’s arrival is critical. The team has stumbled out of the gate, losing five of its first seven games. Injuries have forced head coach Mike Brown to shuffle his rotations, most notably with starting power forward Keegan Murray sidelined by a UCL tear in his left thumb. Murray’s absence left a void in the frontcourt, prompting the Kings to lean on veteran Russell Westbrook, who signed his own one-year minimum deal and has been filling in at power forward.

The lack of depth and experience up front was apparent in the Kings’ recent loss to the Denver Nuggets, where they struggled to contain Nikola Jokic and the reigning champions. Achiuwa’s addition gives the team a new option off the bench, capable of providing relief for starters and matching up with the league’s more physical bigs.

What Achiuwa Brings to Sacramento

Achiuwa’s game is built on hustle, defensive flexibility, and rebounding. He’s comfortable switching onto smaller players, chasing loose balls, and finishing in transition. While not a primary scoring threat, his career averages—7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds over 320 games—reflect a player who contributes in multiple ways. For the Kings, whose bench production has lagged behind much of the league, Achiuwa offers both stability and upside.

His playoff experience is another asset. Achiuwa has appeared in 17 postseason games, including two starts for the Knicks. In high-pressure moments, he’s shown the ability to hold his own against elite competition. Sacramento, hoping to return to playoff contention, needs players who understand the demands of meaningful games.

Roster Changes and the Path Forward

The release of Isaac Jones, a second-year center, underscores the urgency in Sacramento’s approach. Developing young talent is important, but for a team facing immediate challenges, the priority is winning now. Achiuwa’s arrival is a calculated move, designed to shore up the frontcourt and allow the Kings more flexibility in their rotations.

With Keegan Murray still rehabbing and Westbrook temporarily holding down a starting role, Achiuwa is expected to step in as a key bench contributor. The coaching staff will likely experiment with lineups that maximize his defensive strengths and energy, especially against teams with multiple frontcourt threats.

Looking Ahead: Can Achiuwa Help Turn the Kings Around?

The Kings are set to face the Golden State Warriors next, a matchup that will test their revamped rotation. Sacramento’s season is still young, but the pressure is mounting. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see whether Achiuwa’s addition can help change the team’s trajectory.

For Achiuwa, the opportunity is clear: a chance to prove his value on a team hungry for improvement. For the Kings, the move signals a willingness to adapt and respond to early adversity. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but the decision reflects a franchise determined not to let another season slip away.

The Kings’ signing of Precious Achiuwa is more than a roster adjustment; it’s a calculated bet on experience and reliability at a time when both are in short supply. As Sacramento searches for defensive stability and playoff relevance, Achiuwa’s arrival could be the first step toward restoring balance—and hope—to a franchise eager for change.