Knicks forward/center Precious Achiuwa has yet to make his 2024/25 debut as he continues to recover from a hamstring strain. He told Stefan Bondy of The New York Post that he’s been a full participant in practices and is day-to-day, but he’s not sure when he’ll be able to return.
“I need to get to that point where I’m able to build confidence with myself again,” Achiuwa said. “I’m an explosive player. For me to be able to explode, I’m going to have to build that confidence. … Once I get to that point where I feel like I’m optimal to play, I’ll be out there playing.”
Achiuwa, who will hit free agency again next summer after re-signing with New York on a one-year deal, thinks he’ll give the Knicks a defensive boost once he’s back.
“I think one of my biggest gifts is defensive versatility, being able to guard multiple positions, one through five,” Achiuwa said. “For me, coming back, we’re already probably the best offense in the league right now. So how can I add onto the team on the defensive end and being able to make us elite on that side? I think we do have the potential to be elite defensively.”
Here are a few more injury notes from the Atlantic Division:
- Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said on Sunday that Day’Ron Sharpe is close to making his season debut, tweets Brian Lewis of The New York Post. “We could see him at some point this week,” Fernandez said. “Right now he’s going through the process of going through contact drills, then see how he feels after that and take the next step. So, that’s as much as I can tell you.” A fourth-year center who is recovering from a left hamstring strain, Sharpe will be a restricted free agent in 2025.
- Two Nets were injured in Sunday’s loss to Orlando, according to Lewis (Twitter links). Ben Simmons sustained a left knee contusion and was ruled out for the remainder of the game after playing about 12 minutes, and forward Cameron Johnson, who was already dealing with a right ankle sprain, tweaked his left ankle. However, Johnson plans to do everything he can to suit up for Monday’s back-to-back in Chicago. “It’s the opposite. I’m even now, so I’ll be alright,” Johnson said.
- Raptors guard Gradey Dick is making progress from his left calf injury, head coach Darko Rajakovic said ahead of Sunday’s win over Miami (Twitter link via Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca). Dick is day-to-day and the team hopes he’ll be able to practice this week. Bruce Brown (knee) and Kelly Olynyk (back) remain in reconditioning programs, with no set timelines for their returns, per Lewenberg. Both veterans have yet to suit up this season.
Didn’t want to lead the Raptors headline with Gradey’s last name, you could always use his first name?
To be fair, they are talking about all the Raptors injury, not just the injury to their Dick.
I think the quote from Achiuwa was misattributed where it was Dick who said, “I’m an explosive player.” He also added, “guys better watch out because when I get back I’m going to explode all over them.”
The headline should have read Dick is Getting Ready to Explode.
Ben Simmons most likely leads the NBA in salary paid-to-minutes-played ratio.
Since the beginning of the 2020’s, you’re probably right. If anyone is giving him a run, it would likely be Lonzo.Two different guys though, I have no doubt that it’s killing Lonzo not being healthy.
Achiuwa said, “I need to get to that point where I’m able to build confidence with myself again,” but what he meant was, “I’m not getting paid well enough to play the full season. I’m just going to work on my conditioning for a while longer and be ready to have a great month or so to build the hype around me before I probably get injured again. But I’m hoping to stay healthy past the trade deadline. If I’ve played well I will just shut down for the season and look forward to July 1.”
You just hit puberty lol. Seems your also Clairvoyant
Why are you here.
Precious definitely will help on D. Rather see him starting.
Good news he’s day to day. Need him.