As the Knicks gear up for the regular season, their depth chart is already unraveling, with injuries piling up ahead of Tuesday’s opening-night tipoff against the Celtics.
The team announced that backup forward/center Precious Achiuwa sustained a strained left hamstring in Friday’s preseason finale against the Wizards. He will be re-evaluated in 2-4 weeks, potentially sidelining him for the first month of the season.
This latest injury compounds the Knicks’ challenges. Rim-protecting big man Mitchell Robinson is out until January following ankle surgery, and the team recently waived Landry Shamet after he dislocated his right shoulder in Tuesday’s game against the Hornets.
Shamet had been on a non-guaranteed deal, and the Knicks opted to waive him to retain flexibility under the salary cap’s second apron.
Now, with Shamet gone and Achiuwa sidelined, the Knicks face significant gaps in their rotation.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart are expected to take on additional minutes, with Hart’s versatility potentially easing the burden on the second unit. Hart is familiar with playing at power forward, having done so last season when injuries sidelined Robinson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby.
Without Achiuwa, head coach Tom Thibodeau will rely on Jericho Sims and rookie Ariel Hukporti for depth at center.
Additionally, Hart may shift to the bench — a possibility Hart himself suggested to help regain his offensive rhythm.
Should Thibodeau make this adjustment, Miles McBride could enter the starting lineup, bringing defensive intensity and shooting range. Although this change could sacrifice size, McBride’s 40% three-point shooting provides much-needed spacing.
Another option is to elevate rookie Pacome Dadiet, who impressed in preseason action, shooting 5-of-9 from three-point range and tallying 26 points in two games. Despite a slow start due to a finger injury, the 6-7 wing has demonstrated floor-spacing potential, defensive upside and a knack of moving without the ball.
Achiuwa’s defensive versatility and rebounding ability will be sorely missed.
His offensive game has also shown growth: He logged 20 points and 16 rebounds in the Knicks’ victory over the Hornets, showcasing an improved ability to drive to the rim.
The Knicks re-signed Achiuwa to a one-year, $6 million deal after Isaiah Hartenstein left for the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency.
Achiuwa waived his no-trade clause in the deal and becomes eligible for a trade on Dec. 15. When he returns healthy, his energy and versatility will be a welcome addition for a Knicks team in desperate need of front court depth.
With their salary cap restrictions and injury issues mounting, the Knicks may also revisit the idea of trading Robinson to more effectively use their cap space. Using Robinson’s $14.3 million salary in a trade could help address their depth concerns while staying under the second apron.
Achiuwa’s injury came after a heavy preseason workload, logging over 120 minutes in five games. He played 33 minutes in the opener against Charlotte and 35 minutes in Tuesday’s matchup, before limping off the court in Friday’s game against the Wizards.
