FanPost

Precious Achiuwa - Draft Profile

The current lock-down situation the vast majority of us find ourselves in, and the lack of basketball being played is causing 'the doldrums' more than any early exit from the playoffs has in the past. If we fans were a ship sailing across the wide blue yonder - well we would be sitting their totally 'becalmed' with not a lick of wind to fill our sails. So here is something that might help kill the boredom of the doldrums for a spell...

For starters let's say that the ping pong balls don't fall the Spurs way, and they end up in that 11th-12th pick range in this years NBA Draft. Then let's assume that players like Advija, Toppin, Okongwu, Saddiq Bey and maybe even Vassell are gone so who would the Spurs look at for their draft pick?

Could Precious Achiuwa be their guy?

College: Memphis (Freshman)

Height: 6'9" Wingspan: 7'2"+

Stats: In 31 games Achiuwa was on the court for around 30minutes, and in that time he racked up - 15.8pts, 10.8reb, 1.9blks, 1.1stls, 1ast, on 49.3%FG, 32.5%3PT and 59.9%FT and 2.8tov.

Offense:

Achiuwa's offensive skill set is perhaps one of his most obvious areas of weakness. If you glance at his stats that becomes somewhat apparent. His FG% is low for a big, as is his FT% - which if he was to pick up fouls on opponents would become a liability late in games. While his roughly 32% from deep looks tantalising as a 3 & D prospect - he achieved that on only 1.3 attempts per game. If he is to become a factor at the offensive end, Achiuwa would need to work on his shooting. But, I remember similar things being said about Leonard (who had a worse 3PT% from only 2.3 attempts per game) when he was drafted. Another knock on his game is his lack of passing, which can often lead to turnovers.

Despite the glaring deficiencies in his offensive game, Achiuwa is not an empty hole at that end, as he is able to use his size and athleticism to attack the rim. Achiuwa has some ability to score in various ways around the rim, but relies on his athleticism a lot. He can also pulls in around 3 offensive rebounds per game, which either results in a put-back score, or a second attempt by his team - this is a useful for the Spurs who desperately need rebounding.

Defense:

It is at the defensive end that Achiuwa really shines, as he uses his size, strength, great wingspan and athleticism to disrupt his opponents offensive flow through reach-ins, blocks, and containing ball movement. At this end, he pulls in nearly 8 rebounds, which denies opponents that second chance scoring opportunity. His interior defense is more than useful, and would provide an added depth to the Spurs defense.

NBA Comparison: Antoine Walker, Tobias Harris, or some commentators have said he is a bit like an early version of Pascal Siakam. If he can develop a similar skill set to Siakam then the Spurs would have snatched another steal from the draft.

Fit with the Spurs:

Achiuwa's fit with the Spurs would be great - if he can develop that outside shot. He has the defensive and rebounding acumen that the Spurs absolutely need from a taller combo forward with 3 & D potential - especially when he has the potential to be able to guard the 2-5 spots in certain line-ups. He has the athleticism to hang with the young guns in transition, or in fluid PnR sets. If his outside game progresses then he could play alongside Poeltl, and could stretch the court allowing the slashing guards room to move. He has shown some capacity for catch n shoot, but that will need work. He could also be a rim running target for the PG's, that might be useful, in a movement heavy Spurs offense. In a small ball line-up he could play the 5 spot, while the young dobermans prowl the perimeter.

Highlights:

Double-Double & 5blks vs Tulane

Double-double & 5blks vs Univ Southern Florida

25pts vs Houston

Highlights Package - including some good D

Overall, Achiuwa is kind of a Spursy type player - good on the defensive end, and not a total liability on the offensive end. I know I have said this already, but I'll say it till I'm blue in the face - the Spurs NEED a two-way, combo forward - and well Achiuwa fits the bill, but only if he can develop that outside shot. This draft isn't exactly full of sure fire hits like some previous drafts, so maybe the Spurs take a gamble on Achiuwa. I like his defense - but then I prefer to watch great D over launching it from deep on offense - he has some good BBIQ at that end, and seems to be one of those players who takes getting scored on personally, and seeks to erase the memory by getting the ball back. Now imagine a line-up of Murray, Walker/White, Johnson, Achiuwa and Poeltl - that is a heavy D set-up right there, and in a few seasons together (without DeRozan and Aldridge) their offensive upside might just be there as well.

What do you think - is he worth the gamble with the 11th-12th pick in this years draft?

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