OKC Thunder: Precious Achiuwa media session highlights

Memphis forward Precious Achiuwa media interview offers insight for OKC Thunder and NBA fans about his game and personality.

Included in the first group of media interviews from the NBA Draft Combine process was Memphis forward Precious Achiuwa.  The youngster is expected to be selected late in the lottery or in the next tier. That means he’ll be outside the OKC Thunder window where Sam Presti will pick.

As we’ve mentioned throughout this process although the Thunder are picking late in the first round (25th) a prospect who impresses could elicit movement by Presti.

Achiuwa gained more recognition after James Wiseman left Memphis and due to controversy and got more exposure. He averaged a double-double of 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds as well as 1.0 assist, 1.1 steals, and 1.9 blocks in 31 games with the Tigers this season.

His full zoom media interview can be viewed in its entirety on NBA.com.

Precious Achiuwa media interview highlights

If teams based a prospect’s energy level on their zoom interviews they might not view Precious Achiuwa as highly as some others. He comes across as a little sleepy.  Fortunately, that isn’t always who each individual is and doesn’t necessarily translate into their ability on the hardwood.

For example, the Raptors OG Anunoby who Achiuwa knows was extremely quiet as a rookie which was in no way indicative of who he is as a player.

Of his responses, one of the questions he answered enthusiastically came from  Rylan Stiles. After confirming he had spoken to the Thunder he responded to Stiles question on how he would fit playing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Darius Bazley.

Precious noted how much he likes to play fast and would be excited to play with Shai and Baz stating ‘being around young guys like them would be huge.’

In addition to the OKC Thunder, the Memphis Tigers’ big man confirmed also interviewing with the Kings, Suns, Cavaliers, Wizards, Spurs, and Pistons. As each reporter asked about a specific team his answer was affirmative other than the Raptors.

Achiuwa was most excited to talk with the Knicks which is his hometown club. He called it a blessing to talk to the Knicks and would consider it an honor if he got to play at home in New York.

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He noted the Sacramento Kings wanted to know more about him as an individual in terms of how he grew up and more about his life prior to moving to America.

Precious said the assets he offers are bringing energy, the ability to switch ball screens, guarding his position, and rebounding. Achiuwa says defense is the specific area of his game that will translate immediately to an NBA club.

In terms of what he is working to improve in the pre-draft process, Achiuwa cited his shooting, passing, and dribbling. The Memphis alum works on his shooting every day with an emphasis on his jump shot. His hope is to be a knock-down shooter at the NBA level.

Thunderous Intentions will offer a prospect profile in our series coming prior to the draft.