NBA Draft 2020: New York Knicks interviewed Precious Achiuwa

The New York Knicks recently interviewed Precious Achiuwa. Achiuwa, a projected top-10 pick, is worth serious consideration at the 2020 NBA Draft.

The New York Knicks will enter the 2020 NBA Draft with an abundance of options at No. 8 overall. It may not be quite as appealing as the No. 1 pick would’ve been, but the Knicks would be wise to view this as an opportunity, rather than a disappointing turn of events.

Thankfully for Knicks fans, it appears as though Leon Rose and Co. are doing their homework on some of the most intriguing prospects on the board.

New York is in the flexible position of being able to select the best player available without too much hesitation. RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson represent potential franchise cornerstones, but Tom Thibodeau simply needs talent—and that provides Rose with versatility in his approach.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, one of the players whom the Knicks have interviewed ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft is Memphis Tigers star Precious Achiuwa.

Achiuwa may not be a household name, but he’s a prospect whom the Knicks are wise to be evaluating in anticipation of the annual selection process.

Achiuwa is a 6’9″ and 234-pound power forward with a massive standing reach at 9’1.5″ and an equally as impressive wingspan at 7’2″. He utilized those tools to thrive on both ends of the floor for a Memphis team that only had James Wiseman for three games, but still managed to go 21-10.

He appeared in all 31 outings, averaging 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 30.4 minutes per game.

Achiuwa also converted 13 three-point field goals on 32.5 percent shooting, which displays the potential for growth into a legitimate stretch big. He is also light enough on his feet to defend contemporary power forwards, as he utilizes his length and agility to work the perimeter. He’s also an intriguing presence down low, as he can both redirect shots and end possessions with dominant rebounding numbers—14.2 per 40 minutes.

Compounded by his offensive versatility as a player who can either catch and go or catch and shoot, there’s reason for intrigue.

An ambitious ceiling comparison for Achiuwa would be breakout Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam. A more grounded comparison for his upside would be Christian Wood, in that he can defend, crash the boards, and score in multiple ways. The potential to pair Achiuwa with Robinson clearly intrigues the Knicks, and fans should be just as excited by the possibility.

There’s no telling whether or not the New York Knicks will actually draft Precious Achiuwa, let alone whether or not he’ll realize his potential in the NBA. Nevertheless, it’s a promising sign that the front office is considering this as an option.