The New York Knicks look poised for another deep playoff run in 2026.
After finally escaping the second round, the Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, and somewhat shockingly dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau for the “failure.”
While it was a sour end to a strong campaign, New York suddenly has the keys to the East with Boston Celtics and Pacers stars Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Halliburton, respectively, out for next year.
The Knicks do need a coach, and there are several roster moves still to consider before it can turn its attention to the 2025-26 season. One of the crucial remaining free agents is Precious Achiuwa, who feels like he is on his way out of New York.
Here is what Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report forecasted:
“Achiuwa seems unlikely to return to New York, but he’ll likely turn up elsewhere on a minimum deal before long.”
Achiuwa, 26 in September, was a first-round pick by the Miami Heat back in the 2020 Draft. The University of Memphis product has been a solid rotation player over his five-year NBA career, with averages of 7.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and about 1.3 stocks per game.
An undersized center at heart, Achiuwa does not have the perimeter shooting or offensive creation skills necessary to carry the load off the bench. The Knicks also added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele to bolster their depth, and Yabusele, in particular, feels redundant with Achiuwa.
New York should have plenty of returning big man options with Karl-Anthony Towns ideally at the four, Mitchell Robinson securing the paint, and fan-favorite Ariel Hukporti providing some added size.
Achiuwa is a fine player, but not one that the Knicks necessarily need to get over the hump.
