3 assets Raptors would be foolish to part with at trade deadline

2. Precious Achiuwa

The Raptors have been one of the worst benches in the league once again this season, though Achiuwa is not the reason for their decline. Now that he is fully recovered from his ankle injury, Precious is well on his way to reasserting himself as an invaluable part of the team’s future, no matter who is around him.

Achiuwa has averaged over 11 points per game in his past five contests, which coincides with him rediscovering the 3-point shot he picked up during the second half of last season. His defense remains excellent, further establishing that Toronto has a potential gem if they can coach him up right.

Precious Achiuwa is getting better for the Toronto Raptors.

The key to Achiuwa becoming the player Toronto thought they were getting in the Kyle Lowry swap is consistency on the offensive end. The days of scoring two or four points per game need to be eliminated. If this 3-point shot ends up sticking, that’s how he’ll likely get most of his opportunities in a crowded frontcourt.

Achiuwa still is not a tremendous interior finisher. Still, his second-half surge and post-injury play are exactly why he will continue to be a valuable bench piece following the impending roster remake. Some vestiges of “Vision 6-9” are worth holding onto, and Achiuwa is one of them.