2. Precious Achiuwa
Achiuwa has always tantalized Raptors fans with glimpses of what he could be with a few more years of development, but he has ended up in the doghouse multiple times this season thanks to some ill-advised turnovers and contested shots. The Achiuwa we’ve seen post-break has been what Masai Ujiri always expected.
Achiuwa has averaged 13.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game over his last seven appearances while converting on 46% of his shots. One of the more interesting developments has been his 3-point shooting, as he is nailing 42% of his attempts while shooting just under three triples per game.
Toronto Raptors big Precious Achiuwa is starting to fulfill his potential.
Achiuwa has been barred from really taking off over the last few weeks due to the presence of Khem Birch. If Nick Nurse finally puts Achiuwa in a starting role, we might get to see him take on an even more important job on the offensive side of things. His production has warranted the extra attention.
Achiuwa is still going to have some growing pains, as any second-year player would. Luckily, those mistakes are now fewer and farther between. With a bit more seasoning over the course of the second half, he could start evolving into the center this team has been lacking.