After their surprise run to the NBA Finals in the bubble, the Miami Heat had the 20th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Heat used that pick on big man Precious Achiuwa to help provide support in the frontcourt.
Miami is off to a rough start in 2020-21 after the shortened offseason. The defending Eastern Conference champions are 6-12 thanks to a variety of key absences, namely Jimmy Butler. If there's a silver lining, though, it's that Achiuwa is getting a good opportunity to carve out a role for himself.
Find out why the rookie is a player to look out for and why it’s a good move to invest in his cards.
1. Precious Achiuwa is playing more
The Heat’s health woes aren't good for the team, but Achiuwa is getting a nice opportunity off the bench behind frontcourt starters Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk.
The rookie's increased role from the bench allows him to adjust faster to the league’s style of play. Achiuwa will have the chance to learn the Heat’s system and use it to contribute, especially on the defensive side of things. If he makes the most out of this opportunity, Achiuwa will become a staple of Miami’s second unit in the games to come.
The big man is currently averaging 7.6 rebounds and 5.0 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game while shooting 63.5% from the field. So, he's certainly making some noise early on in his career, even if he's not making a major role.
If Achiuwa continues to develop and the Heat make a push for the playoffs, his card value will rise with the more exposure he gets this season.
2. He has the chance to be good on defense
Although card fans value players who are skilled offensively, there’s always a strong case to be made for those who play great defense. Precious Achiuwa has the potential to become that player for Miai.
The rookie possesses a 225-pound frame packed inside a 6-foot-8 body. This physique allows Achiuwa to stand his ground, especially against taller and more muscular opponents. He is also able to keep up with smaller guards and prevent them from getting an open look on him:
https://twitter.com/thisisntalberto/status/1352453847478890500
The potential to guard multiple positions is a skill desired by any team in the NBA. If Achiuwa learns to improve his feel for the game, he will be a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the court.
3. Miami’s culture will be good for Precious Achiuwa’s stock
Ask any fan what stands out the most about the Heat and you’ll likely get their famed culture as the answer. The combination of Pat Riley in the front office and Erik Spoelstra as head coach serves as the tip of Miami’s culture. Their hard-nosed approach to working hard and playing basketball as a team has produced positive results.
Precious Achiuwa stands to gain a lot from the Heat’s culture. For one, the rookie will quickly learn the ins and outs of the league and use those lessons to his advantage. If he allows himself to be mentored by Spoelstra, Butler, and Bam Adebayo, the rookie will carve out a definite role in Miami. If his potential is fully realized because of the Heat’s tutelage, his value on the card market will fly high.
Many were caught unaware when Tyler Herro suddenly broke out in the bubble. It’s better not to make the same mistake with Achiuwa this year. Better hunt his rookie cards now so you can cash in when his stock shoots up.
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