When Miami picked up Precious Achiuwa right before the start of training camp, it looked like the Heat had filled their 15th and final roster spot ahead of the 2025-26 season. Achiuwa was a former 1st round pick by Miami who spent the past few years bouncing around before returning to his original club.
But a poor showing this preseason, combined with a looming roster reality, could make Achiuwa an easy player to put on the chopping block ahead of opening night.
Precious Achiuwa with one last chance to earn his spot
Achiuwa has appeared in four of Miami's five preseason games so far. He is averaging 11.7 minutes per game, averaging 4.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per outing.
Those numbers, combined with the fact that he has three blocks in those four games, aren't the worst. In fact, he has the 2nd-best rebounds per 36 minutes on the Heat roster this preseason, only behind Kel'el Ware.
But Achiuwa is also averaging the 5th most turnovers per 36, and has the 3rd lowest assists per 36 on the roster. No, we don't expect Achiuwa to be an assist machine, but when the rest of the forwards on Miami's roster are at a rate that is nearly double what Achiuwa is, it's notable.
Add in that his plus/minus per 36 is 14th on the team out of the 20 players Miami has played this preseason, and there are reasons why Achiuwa shouldn't feel too comfortable.
Roster contruction
Achiuwa's is an Exhibit-9 contract at a base salary of $2,667,947. If Miami opts to release him prior to opening night, he would not count against the salary cap and/or the luxury tax.
If Achiuwa does make the initial roster, Miami would still have until January 10th before his contract becomes fully guaranteed for the season.
His contract is significant because Miami is currently under the luxury tax if everything else on the roster stays the same. Achiuwa would push the Heat over the tax if he is kept.
So it is possible Miami opts to hang onto Achiuwa for now and kicks the can down the road to make a decision later.
But his preseason has been uninspiring enough that it wouldn't be shocking if Miami pulls the plug now.