The Toronto Raptors are known for top-notch scouting. They found gems in Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby. They’ve even found gems like Chris Boucher and Justin Champagnie.
But when they traded for this young player a little over a year ago, very few people expected that he could be THIS GOOD, especially after he got off to such a rough start to start the season, losing his starting spot and bricking shots left and right.
But as the turnovers racked up, and his advanced stats gave me nightmares, something was happening… he was growing. He was learning. He was rediscovering the joy of basketball after 2 rough seasons in Memphis and Miami.
The stats aren’t as incredible as the player, but if you dig deeper into the stats, they’re much better than you might assume. A 73rd percentile defensive player is no joke, especially for a player as young as Precious Achiuwa.
0:00 – INTRO
1:33- THE NUMBERS
3:40- DEVELOPMENT CURVE
4:40- HOW HE MOVES
7:20 – HOW HE DEFENDS
10:04- OUTRO
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40 Comments
It's to Damm late to grab my coffee!!
Precious is going to have a breakout season 🙌🙌
I can't wait to see the line up where we get Scottie OG Pascal Precious and Koloko one night just to see how big and long we can get
Of all my pro-Raptor commentary I must say that I am most called delusional for my love of Precious Achiuwa. I hated him when he was in Miami because I seen the potential. Loved it when he came to Toronto (even through the growing pain).
It takes a big man to recognize one's error. I respect that.
Another great vid. Agree on Precious. Has all the tools to become great. Am I ever glad we didn't trade Lowry for Horton-Tucker.
Precious should be starter over Trent just on the fact that he could be on the face on the best offensive player of the other team from the get go and help to create big momentum.
In my opinion he could be a serious candidate for Most improved player this if his progression keep the same pace.
Should Precious start? I don't know if it even matters, you may have an analytical pov on starting vs coming off the bench. However, to close out a game, I can definitely see an advantage with Precious closing. Enjoyed the upload, thx.
I agree with everything. I am even Higher on Koloko, call me crazy
Mailbag… With the new jumbo stat screen and brining Rico into the team. You can tell the raptors are taking development to another level. Would love to see your take on this. (Also the 905 coach and staff and then focusing on rebounds)
I feel optimistic. I don't want to pull the trigger quite yet. History has dictated that we've found some diamonds in the rough. But we look at some guys we've felt like this before (Sonny Weems, Amir Johnson, Garbajosa, even OG), and we may have to take a quick breath and root for our team regardless. Top 25 athletically I see for sure. The season hasn't started so who knows. But I'm hoping he demonstrates a great leap of skill and knack for basketball. All I ask is that he plays well and takes his team to the next level.
Think you are a little too high on him. He will be really good, but not great. You make it sound like he will be better than siakam. To me, watching him, he seems to lack some ball IQ… perhaps it will improve with age, but too often I see him making a poor choice, bad drive, bad pass, not in the right place, etc.
I was pumping him up last offseason after seeing him in summer league. He was just oozing potential. Then the season started and he was almost unplayable. I remember noticing his handle and his shooting form and thinking he could become a star. Something he said after a summer league game stuck with me. He hit a big 3 pointer in the game and a reporter commented that he had only attempted like 2 or 3 three point shots in his time with Miami and asked if he was trying to add that to his game. Precious answered, "I wasn't always big. I grew up playing guard like every other kid. Shooting was one of the first things I learned to do."
In my circle of friends he was known as Bunnie Fucker…for messing up so many super short shots. 8 from less than 5 ft. in one half once.
Hey.. You might have finally got one right.
Mailbag 2… If your down to catch a game at a Boston pizza or something I'm so in!
Robert I know you are a sports filmmaker.. but you remind me of one of my fav independent journalists. Great documentary style!
During the first half of the season last year, Precious fumbled more bunnies than anyone that was playing basketball above Division 3. But post-all-star break, he transcended. He is a man possessed and I think he would be amazing in the starting 5. Having GTJ coming off of the bench would give the second unit someone who could create their own shot plus he and Otto can feast on catch and shoot the 3's while CB and Christian Koloko (ideally) could vacuum up all the offensive rebounds and dish them out to the perimeter. Plus it would give us another stone wall defender in our starting 5. The only challenge would be getting Precious many offensive touches (other than rebounds) while starting -lots of dudes wanting to eat in that group!
GTJ is a good, to very good, sixth man and/or occasional starter based on matchups. Precious starts and averages 15 pts/gm and he’ll be a dbl-dbl machine.
1 – SB4
2 – FVV
3 – O.G.
4 – 🌶
5 – Precious
Kudos for taking the time to read and respond to the comments on the last video.
I don't think you are too high on Precious, but to compare him to Pascal is a bit unfair. From the eye test alone Pascal is a much more skilled player and I don't see Precious becoming that on offense.
With that said, no doubt Precious is the most athletic player on the Raptors and has a terrifying explosive first step.
His ceiling on defense is sky high, but I'm just not sold on him getting as refined as Pascal as a creator on offense anytime soon.
Pascal gets a lot of hate for his spin move, but not many in the league can do that. Pascal has one of the best footwork in the league (probably due to a soccer background and the late basketball start), Precious isn't touching that anytime soon if at all.
Wow! Very honest take. So respect. But your just being dramatic for sensationalism effect right?
I Cant believe u of all people didnt c the improvement since allstar break. That's redonkulous.
He owned Embid in the playoffs. Most of the other channels are all over him. People r thinking he will bump Gary, OG or Fred off the starting lineup.
Ya just another reason u better back off those statistics and watch basketball for sure. Maybe stop comparing these guys like they r horses and enjoy the artistry and personalities of these guys.
Personally, he shone just as bright as Scottie if u ask me. For me their neck and neck. He bodied embid and jammed on him a few times.
Also, 🙂 the raptors arent lucky they have 3 players that can gaurd 1 through 5. It's top one or two, on their list of recruiting must haves. U know, 7 foot wingspan, high motor, ….
Agreed. With a year under his belt in the Raptors system, he'll continue to grow in his physical skills & decision making. I think he needs to start just on the merit of his versatile defense and improved shooting stroke. Physically his ceiling is as high as anybody's. Saw him play for team Nigeria and he just looked different.
I think the way precious attacked the off-season and the things nick nurse has said about his new attitude, DONT be surprised if he’s in the MIP convo by the end of the season easy, his role will be up’d after the season he had last year and the growth returns they got, hence the playoffs minutes and role, in the recipes I talk about on my channel would signal and huge role increase and really start relying on him as a player when it matters
I just found your videos, love the vids. The only tip I’d give you is perhaps a brighter setup when doing face cam stuff
great great analysis as always
Precious has to be in the closeout lineup
I locked in Precious for MIP at +12000 back in august. Feeling really good about him this season 😎
SAAB is the core I'd spend on for the next 4-6 years – Siakam, Anunoby, Achiuwa, Barnes.
I called precious "La Fitness" at the beginning of last season because he played like an La fitness random but became a huge fan at the end of the season. If precious can turn into a 2019-2020 serge ibaka type player who can actually gaurd the perimeter it would be huge for this team.
Agreeeeeeeeed! I was also screaming at my TV in the first half of last season. He was a pleasant surprise post ASB.
Your analyses are excellent, and among the best and most intelligent I’ve come across as concerns basketball and the Raptors. Keep it up!
Precious should start over Gary Trent because he's a better all-around defender. That said, maybe there is a plan of ascension for him, and it's just a matter of time depending on some future trade(s). I've been saying it since last year, Gary should be the sixth man, and IMO would thrive in this role. OMG, the defence would be insane with Precious joining the starters. Clearly, Barnes and Precious are the future, while Fred and Pascal are the now.
Stop talking up Precious . He is not going to be that good as you think.
Which player does Precious Achiuwa most remind you of in the NBA? Past or present.
Just waiting to see a line up of…
Scotty
OG
Spicey
Precious
Bouche
This $hit right here can beat anyone. You ride or die with thise guys from game 1-82 and your gonna see the sickest team ever develope. Nurse got to spare no feelings and roll out the big and long and athletic positionless basketball and change the game change history.
The question about Precious is, what kind of player is he going to be at his peak in the NBA. Ever since we acquired him I have gone and watched his tape from his hs days in New Jersey to Montverde and Memphis. What I see is an Uber athlete who was too big, too live for his competition. He didn't have to be very creative or develope his iq for the game to be successful, he could just out athlete other players. His one year at Memphis was much the same, dynamic athlete with some basketball skills but lacking the nuisance of the game.
Moving forward, in order to maximize his incredible athletic gives, Precious has to slow his body down in order for his mind to catch up be the impetus for his movements and maybe then he'll turn into something truly special.
Btw I disagree with the Pascal Siakam part of your take
I think he should start he compliments our big 4 more. GTJ would be better to bring in as a sixth man when we need volume shots
we won the lowry trade
Facts facts
I always remember him for the Durant block during the Olympics exhibition. I was pleasently surprised when the Raps somehow stole him from the Heat for a player who was already leaving. lol
Mailbag … What happens to the players that don't make the cut? Are these five players automatically offered a G League contract, or are they free to sign with any team?
Do cut players get anything other than a handshake? I understand the NHL and MLB's structures, but I'm not clear on the NBA process. NBA players seem to have more control of their destinies than other professional athletes. Keep up the good work.