Knicks’ Precious Achiuwa could return ‘in a week or so’

The Knicks are on the cusp of getting some added depth to their front court.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau said on Monday that center/power forward Precious Achiuwa is “getting closer” and could return to the court “in a week or so,” via Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News.

Acquired last season as part of the trade that brought OG Anunoby to New York from Toronto, Achiuwa was a valuable bench piece, appearing in 49 games while also making 18 starts. With the Knicks last season, Achiuwa averaged 7.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 24 minutes per game.

Just before the start of this year’s regular season, Achiuwa suffered a left hamstring strain, and he is yet to play as a result.

It will interesting to see how Achiuwa’s presence will create new lineup combinations for the Knicks, as his rebounding ability, despite being only 6-foot-8, could clear up some power forward minutes for Karl-Anthony Towns when Thibodeau wants to have multiple bigs on the floor.

The Knicks, 12-8, have games next week on Monday at Toronto, on Thursday at Minnesota, and on Saturday at New Orleans.