The Sacramento Kings got off to a rough start with a 121-96 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, but Precious Achiuwa gave everyone a reason to talk. Coming off the bench, he played 29 minutes and put up 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. That’s a solid line, especially when you compare it to De’Andre Hunter, who started the game but only scored six points with three rebounds in 20 minutes. The numbers get even more interesting when you look at net ratings: the team was minus 51.5 when Hunter was on the court, but plus 33.3 with Achiuwa, even though he played less time. It’s just one game, so we shouldn’t overreact, but Achiuwa’s energy was palpable. He set screens, crashed the boards, and even led the team with three offensive rebounds. His high motor seems to cover any shortcomings, like not being a great three-point shooter. In preseason, Achiuwa averaged 10.6 points and 5.8 rebounds over five games, with a standout 18-point effort against the Lakers. Hunter, on the other hand, averaged just three points and 2.3 rebounds in four preseason games, and he’s still working his way back from an eye injury that ended his season early last year. Coach Doug Christie was full of praise for Achiuwa, saying he played ‘grown man basketball.’ With Hunter’s future in question, Achiuwa might just earn a starting spot sooner rather than later.
