Kings forward Precious Achiuwa re-signs after career year, eyes bigger role
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The gist
Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa re-signed on a two-year, $11.2 million deal after averaging a career-best 10.1 points last season.
With Ben Simmons out, Achiuwa may step into the starting five as a defender.
Background
Precious Achiuwa is a forward/center for the Sacramento Kings who signed a veteran minimum deal last season and turned it into a career year — a career-best 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a high-energy bench piece under head coach Doug Christie. That earned him a two-year, $11.2 million deal. He is trending now because Ben Simmons, the 6-foot-10 guard/forward who had earned a starting spot in the preseason, suffered a ruptured Achilles, leaving Achiuwa among the candidates to move into the starting lineup as the 2026-27 season opens.
How it unfolded
- Last seasonAchiuwa signed a veteran minimum deal with the Kings and averaged a career-best 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds off the bench.
- Last season, AprilHe averaged over 15 points per game for the second consecutive month, and closed the season with a game-high 27 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.
- After last seasonThe Kings rewarded him with a two-year deal worth $11.2 million.
- Oct 10, 2026He played in the preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco.
- Oct 16, 2026Listed as available despite an ankle issue, he was not in the starting lineup for the preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs.
- Oct 18, 2026After Ben Simmons suffered a ruptured Achilles, Achiuwa and De'Andre Hunter were named as potential replacements in the starting five.
- Oct 20, 2026Achiuwa told NBC Sports California the Kings have made him feel more appreciated.
- Oct 21, 2026Ahead of the season opener, he stressed the importance of getting Zach LaVine and Darius Acuff Jr. going early.
Who’s saying what
- Player
- Achiuwa says his job is to make his teammates better and that he doesn't really care about his own offense.
- Player
- Achiuwa says the team's number one priority is getting Zach LaVine going early, and Darius Acuff Jr. as well.
- Player
- Achiuwa believes this year's Kings team has a chance to make some waves in the West.
Still unverified
Simmons' 2026-27 season reportedly ended days before his official return to the NBA. Achiuwa and De'Andre Hunter are described only as potential replacements in the starting five after Simmons' injury.