The Toronto Raptors spent a good chunk of the offseason pondering one of the age-old questions of roster construction. When it comes to their starting center spot, should they start the finished product in veteran Khem Birch or the unknown upside that comes with Precious Achiuwa?
Ultimately, a strong preseason helped Achiuwa win the job, as Toronto was interested if he could fulfill the Draymond Green comparisons he earned during his summer with the Nigerian national team. After a strong start, Achiuwa has fallen into a major slump to the point where he was effectively benched against the New York Knicks.
Over the last three games, Achiuwa is averaging just 4.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while shooting a pitiful 26% from the floor. Nick Nurse finally lost patience with Achiuwa, playing Birch alongside the starters for most of the 113-104 victory. With Birch a +20 in 31 minutes, it looks like the switch worked out for the better.
The Knicks game had to be a sign that Birch should be in the starting lineup and Achiuwa should be on the bench. This doesn’t mean that the Raptors should abandon developing Achiuwa or that he is a bad player, but whatever he’s doing in the starting lineup is clearly not working.
Nurse on Achiuwa: "He's just a little out of character these last couple games. He just doesn't quite have it going on either end. He'll be all right... I believe in him. He's got talent all over the place. We've just gotta wash these games away and get his confidence back up"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 2, 2021
The Toronto Raptors need to bench Precious Achiuwa.
Achiuwa was billed as a versatile defensive stopper with plus athleticism, and while he’s exhibited those traits with some regularity, the fact that he has been so poor when it comes to finishing at the rim has prompted the need for a change. Birch isn’t as show-stopping or versatile, but he’s more reliable.
Birch has already shown he can be an A+ screen-setter and post defender. While Achiuwa being able to handle the ball and run the floor is all well and good, if he’s unable to accomplish those two tasks consistently, the Raptors will need to make a change at the center spot.
Raptors with Khem Birch on the floor over the last 3 games: +41 in 83 minutes. Raptors with Precious Achiuwa: -20 in 55 minutes.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 2, 2021
This is not to say that the Raptors should give up on Achiuwa. He’s just 22 years old and in his second year. His rebounding and switchability are not concerns, and when he finishes inside, he shows exactly why he was such a hyped prospect. However, he’s clearly forcing things now, and Toronto can’t afford that.
It’s tough to balance developing a young player versus playing a veteran that might provide a more immediate return, but the Raptors have to realize when their approach just isn’t working. Achiuwa could benefit from a role change while giving his minutes to Birch should help the Raptors win more in the immediate future.