Q: Signing Precious Achiuwa suggests two things to me: 1) Erik Spoelstra trying to minimize Bam Adebayo’s backing up Kel’el Ware at the five, unless Vlad Goldin can provide some minutes; 2) Spo anticipates Nikola Jovic getting his minutes backing up Bam at the four and Wiggins at the three, rather than as a backup five. I see the Heat eventually trading for a “true center” as Ware’s backup, so I don’t see Precious staying past the trade deadline. – Michael, Boynton Beach.
A: First, I believe the addition of Precious Achiuwa has been overstated. We’re talking about a non-guaranteed contract at the veteran minimum. That hardly is the type of contract utilized to inject someone into your primary rotation (or at least it shouldn’t have to come to that). The issue all along was whether there would be a proven reserve in case Bam Adebayo or Kel’el Ware was not available. So Precious would appear to be more of an insurance policy, than rotation piece. Now, like any player in camp, he certainly could play his way into playing time. But not ahead of Bam, not ahead of Kel’el, not ahead of Nikola Jovic, and possibly not ahead of Simone Fontecchio or Keshad Johnson getting minutes in the power rotation. In fact, if Vlad Goldin shows he can contribute something – anything – right now, it could further minimize Precious. Yes, this is more than when the Heat added Nassir Little for camp a year ago, but do not take it as far more than that. At least not when the primary rotation is healthy.
Q: I like the Heat bringing back Precious Achiuwa. He’s that long, athletic big that they lack. He doesn’t need to score, just needs to be a physical presence on the boards. I see him creating a niche for himself on this team. – Ray, Deerfield Beach.
A: Well, such is what a non-guaranteed contract at the veteran minimum is all about. This is not any different than a variety of veterans who have taken similar camp deals in recent days, including Malcolm Brogdon, Alex Len, Thomas Bryant and Garrison Matthews, among others. If it works out in camp, then more will follow. If not? Well, then thanks for the attempt.
Q: Looking back on some recent draft picks, Precious Achiuwa had been basically unemployed, which got me thinking of what happened to Justise Winslow. Is there not any team willing to give him a chance? – David, Plantation.
A: Actually, there already have been plenty, with Justise having been with the Heat, Grizzlies, Clippers, Trail Blazers and Raptors. Since then, the only sniffs have been with the G League affiliates of the Raptors and Bucks. At some point, there are only so many options for a 6-foot-6 player who lacks a reliable shot. So, at 29, getting back in figures to be a challenge. Like many players who were stars in college and first-round picks, it potentially could be time to cash in overseas while there still is name recognition.
Originally Published: September 26, 2025 at 6:05 AM EDT