Bringing Precious Achiuwa in was one of the smartest moves the Sacramento Kings have made so far this season. This was particularly evident against the Detroit Pistons. The game may have ended in a loss for the Kings, but Achiuwa proved how much he has to offer the Kings moving forward.

Achiuwa has been in the league for a few years and is best known for his defensive prowess. That doesn’t mean he can’t throw down on offense as well. He took it to the rack against the Pistons after a brilliant defensive play by Russell Westbrook. They actually make a solid duo.

PRECIOUS. ACHIUWA.

Kings turning defense to offense in the 3Q 💯

Tap to watch: https://t.co/DkX3IkzeTB pic.twitter.com/53uW21iUAf

— NBA (@NBA) December 24, 2025

The Kings’ matchup with the Pistons might not have gone their way, but there were individual performances worth celebrating. Achiuwa was one of them, clocking out with 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. It was a good night for him overall.

How this pans out in the long term remains to be seen. The Kings have made it clear that any reasonable trade offer will be considered, and Achiuwa is reportedly not on their no-trade list. Fans might not be happy about that, given what he brings to the table.

Precious Achiuwa is more than the stats he records

With all of the injuries plaguing the Kings, their roster is rather depleted. Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and Drew Eubanks are all injured. Additionally, Daeqwon Plowden, Isaiah Stevens, and Devin Carter are all playing for the Stockton Kings in the G League.

As such, Achiuwa got bumped up from bench to being a starter, a role he doesn’t always excel at. He’s one of those guys who just seems more comfortable playing off the bench. While his stats haven’t been great as a starter, those numbers don’t do a great job of telling his story.

Strong defensive acumen isn’t reflected on the stats sheet. Achiuwa is out there locking down the other team, breaking up plays, and just generally being an all-around menace. The Kings need guys like that, not only in their rebuild but also in their attempts to salvage this season.

Unfortunately, the Kings will likely trade Achiuwa if the right opportunity comes up. That would be a mistake in both the short and long term. He is someone who could be a clutch defensive player for the new-look Kings as Sacramento puts that roster together. Achiuwa could be a franchise player.