The Knicks first player to leave the team? The inside player has conflicts with the team, and the free market may become a way out

On June 8, NBA reporter Steve Popper revealed shocking news: New York Knicks forward Presches Achouva is very likely to choose to leave the team this summer, and the cooperation between the two sides seems to have reached a crossroads.

Popper pointed directly at the core of the problem in the report: "Among those players who have contributed to the team, Achuva seems to be the one who is most likely to leave." He further revealed the rift in the relationship between the two sides: "Last offseason, the two sides' contract renewal negotiations were delayed until the last moment to be completed. Achuva has always been frustrated by the opportunity he has obtained... At the same time, the team's coaching staff also complained about his defensive performance and state stability." The contradictions were made public, and the data revealed the crux of the problem. This season's regular season, Achuva played 57 games, averaged 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game in 20.5 minutes, and his shooting percentage remained at 50.2%. This data sheet shows that when stable time is obtained, Achuwa can indeed provide some energy on the rebounding protection and defensive end (steal + block).

However, the contradiction was completely amplified in the playoffs. In the eight crucial playoff games, Achuwa's average playing time plummeted to just 4.3 minutes, and the data also shrank to 1.8 points and 1.1 rebounds, and his shooting percentage dropped to 42.9%. Such a large "refrigeration" undoubtedly confirms the sharp decline in the coaching staff's trust in it, and also aggravates the players' dissatisfaction with their role positioning. There were signs of rifts, and the free market became the focus. Last summer, Achuwa signed a one-year, $6 million short-term contract with the Knicks. This contract itself has a clear "test" and transitional nature. Now with the contract expires this summer, Achuwa will become a full free agent.

Objectively speaking, Achuwa's situation is quite subtle:

The core contradiction is difficult to resolve: his desire for playing time and the coaching staff's doubts about his defensive stability constitute an irreconcilable contradiction. Under the Knicks' existing inside rotation pattern, it is extremely difficult for Achuwa to achieve a significantly improved role.

Talents are still attractive: Achuwa, who is only 24 years old, has excellent physical fitness and athletic ability, has active rebounding, and has potential to tap on the defensive end. The regular season data proves that giving him a certain amount of time, he can contribute on both offense and defense.

Free market opportunities: For teams that lack athletic inside or need to supplement the depth of the frontcourt, Achouva may still become a low-risk, rewarding option with its age and physical conditions.

New York interior rotation faces a reshuffle

Once Achuwa leaves the team, the Knicks' interior depth will face challenges. Especially with Mitchell Robinson's health swelling, the team's management needs to find reliable backup insiders in the free market or through trades. The difficult tug-of-war of the free market when signing last year has laid the groundwork for today's breakup. Achuwa's Knicks career is hanging on the line. Will both sides be able to resolve their past grudges and find a new model of cooperation, or will this young forward player finally choose to find a new owner in the free market that can promise his more stable role? As the opening day of the free market is approaching, the answer is about to be revealed. For Achuwa, this decision will determine whether he can break through the bottleneck and enter a new stage in his career.