The New York Knicks employ one of the best big men in the league in Karl-Anthony Towns, traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, besides Towns, their big rotation is pretty thin, with Mitchell Robinson out with injury and Isaiah Hartenstein leaving in free agency for the Oklahoma City Thunder. (He's also injured.) As the Knicks embark on a grueling five-game road trip, they hope to boost their frontcourt with the possible injury return of Precious Achiuwa.
“Tom Thibodeau said he believes Precious Achiuwa, who has been out with a hamstring strain since the preseason finale, will accompany the team on its 5-game, 10-day road trip,” Knicks beat writer Kristian Winfield said on X, formerly Twitter.
Knicks need frontcourt help
So far this season, Karl-Anthony Towns has performed to standard in New York, averaging 26.4 points on 54.2% shooting with 12.4 boards in 13 games, and it might be safe to say he's the best player on the team.
However, everyone knows the Knicks didn't bring him in to be a defensive force, but their lack of depth at the frontcourt has forced Thibs to play him at center for extended minutes.
They did promote second-round draft pick Ariel Hukporti from a two-way contract, and Jericho Sims has played well behind Towns as the backup five.
Still, the Knicks need actual rotation players up front, and the possible injury return of Precious Achiuwa, out since the preseason with a hamstring strain, should come just in time, especially since they'll face three playoff teams on their five-game road trip: the Suns, the Nuggets, and the Mavericks.
On the other hand, the Suns are without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal; the Nuggets might not have Nikola Jokic, and they are a sorry team without him; and the Mavs might not play Luka Doncic, who has a bruised right knee.
