Tom Thibodeau excited New York Knicks are now adding in player with ‘more speed and athleticism’

While the Hornets have a poor 6-16 record, they have been playing teams close; until last night.

And instead of battling injuries or winning despite various problems, the Knicks are healthy and have seen another player return.

Precious Achiuwa makes comeback

Precious Achiuwa made his season debut during in the Knicks win over the Hornets, playing 11 minutes.

Achiuwa made a useful contribution with two points, four rebounds and one assist, and the Knicks were +11 with him on the court.

The Knicks re-signed Achiuwa in the off-season, before he suffered a hamstring injury that has delayed his involvement until now.

Speaking following the win, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau discussed how pleased he is with the team’s bench at the moment, citing the ‘big spark and huge energy’ they are giving the starters.

Thibodeau added: “What Precious [Achiuwa] will add to that group is even more speed and athleticism.”

Achiuwa was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2021 before being included as part of a trade with the Toronto Raptors for Kyle Lowry.

Late last year he was sent to New York as part the trade package for OG Anunoby. Achiuwa ended up playing 49 games for the Knicks last season, averaging 7.6 ppg and 7.2 rebounds pg.

Knicks starters dominate

While Tom Thibodeau spoke about Precious Achiuwa’s return, he was glowing about his starters too, who really racked up most of the points between them.

“OG, he was unbelievable, him and Mikael, that sort of got us going, their energy, Josh as well, and then KAT got going and Jalen was Jalen, I thought they did a really good job, they set the tone.

But he added that he was not overly pleased with the first half: “We got to be a 48-minute team, so they gave me some stuff that I could look at.”

Former Knicks rival Paul Pierce recently called out the team, arguing the Knicks have a lack of depth that will stop them winning the NBA Championship. Precious Achiuwa may not move the needle – but he will certainly have a part to play over the coming months.

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