PORTLAND, Ore. — Precious Achiuwa picked a good time to have the best season of his NBA career. But it will probably be tougher to keep that up now that he’s moving back to the bench.
With OG Anunoby’s return this week from elbow surgery, Achiuwa — who had four points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes in the Knicks’ 105-93 win over the Trail Blazers — was moved from starting power forward to mostly backup center.
He still played very well in Tuesday’s win over the Sixers, but the playing time dipped — especially compared to his 40-minute average in the 12 games immediately after Anunoby’s injury — and the role change presents questions about how it might impact Achiuwa’s free agency and future in New York.
Predictably, Achiuwa, a restricted free agent in the summer, didn’t want to dive into the topic ahead of Thursday’s game against the Blazers.
“Right now, I’m just focused on the season. Obviously that’s something that is going to come around. When that time comes that’s something we’re gonna talk about. Of course cross that bridge,” Achiuwa said.
Achiwua’s free agency value is $8 million-$10 million in annual salary, as Bobby Marks, the ESPN front office insider and former assistant GM of the Nets, estimated to The Post.
The Knicks, who traded for Achiuwa and Anunoby in December, can match any offer.
For Achiuwa’s production this season — which included averages of nine points and 7.7 rebounds heading into Thursday — an $8 million-$10 million per year would be a solid deal for New York.
But it’s more complicated than paying for numbers.
The Knicks already have a starting center under contract, Mitchell Robinson, who is recovering from a second surgery to his feet and will be paid about $14.32 million next season.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who has stepped into the role of starting center after Robinson’s injury, will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
His value, as estimated by Marks, is an $13 million-$14 million annual salary.
Marks noted that centers don’t get big money anymore, but Achuiwa and Hartenstein benefit from a weak free-agency class at that position, with Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and New Orleans’ Jonas Valanciunas at the top.
Marks noted that centers don’t get big money anymore, but Achuiwa and Hartenstein benefit from a weak free-agency class at that position, with Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and New Orleans’ Jonas Valanciunas at the top.
Assuming the Knicks bring back Anunoby in free agency — which they will — re-signing both Achiuwa and Hartenstein will send them into the luxury tax.
That makes it harder to construct a roster because of signing restrictions on top of the bigger dent in James Dolan’s wallet.
Either way, Achiuwa has made an interesting case for a long-term fit.
He’s smaller than both Robinson and Hartenstein, but he’s more versatile and sees himself as a power forward.
That versatility will help him earn minutes as a reserve since he can back up either frontcourt spot.
Since arriving from Toronto, Achiuwa started slowly but turned into a reliable threat following the Anunoby and Julius Randle injuries.
He’s also filled as the starting center for Hartenstein, who has intermittently battled Achilles soreness and is on a minutes restriction.
Over his last 18 games heading into Thursday, Achiuwa averaged 12.7 points and 9.7 boards while shooting 53 percent.
The production and efficiency has been a pleasant surprise because Achiuwa, a 24-year-old who grew up in The Bronx, arrived as a throw-in trade piece after a largely underwhelming stint with the Raptors.
“This is the best I’ve played in a really, really long time,” Achiuwa said. “Definitely feels good.”
But now there’s a new role for Achiuwa, a move back to the reserves because Anunoby is finally back.
It’s still an important opportunity as the team’s first and most trusted frontcourt backup. Then there’s free agency to navigate.
Achiuwa’s enjoying the ride and claims he’s not worried about how today might affect his big-money decision.
“I’m a very optimistic person,” said Achiuwa, who is earning $4.4 million this season. “I’ve never worried myself much about that. Always believe things are going to work out. That’s always been my mindset. Coming in I always understood it’s going to work out, have to stay positive and continue to work hard.”
