Kings Center Hopes to Stick Around After This Season

The Sacramento Kings don’t have much to celebrate this season. They put together a veteran roster in hopes of competing in a crowded Western Conference field, and they’ve legitimately had no success. As of Monday, they’re dead last in the West with a record of 18-51. They currently have the fourth-worst record in the entire league. 

There have been a few bright spots in the Kings' otherwise disappointing season. The biggest has been the play of Sacramento’s rookie big man, Maxime Raynaud. Raynaud is averaging 11.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and one “stock” per game. He’s also just landed back in the top-5 of NBA.com’s Rookie Ladder. 

Raynaud isn’t the only big man who has stepped up for the Kings in Domantas Sabonis’ absence. Precious Achiuwa has been stepping up in a big way recently for the Kings. He has averaged 16.8 points and 10 rebounds per game over the Kings' last ten games. He was asked whether he wanted to extend his time in Sacramento. 

“Absolutely. I love Sacramento. The city’s embraced me, the team’s embraced me, the organization—from the front office to my teammates and the coaching staff. I truly, truly love being here, and I would really love to be here. I hope once the offseason comes around, they’ll be willing to have me come back.”

The Kings aren’t exactly a popular destination for players to choose. If Achiuwa wants to play third-string center behind Sabonis and Raynaud next season, that seems reasonable. The question will be whether a more lucrative offer than the one that comes Precious’ way this summer.