With Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson sidelined by injuries, Knicks big man Jericho Sims is getting steady time. However, he’s been reluctant to make an impact offensively, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post notes.
In 94 minutes this season, Sims has taken six total shots. In the Knicks’ three November games, he has one field goal attempt in 42 minutes. This is a pivotal season for Sims, who will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
We have more on the New York teams:
- The Knicks are off to a 3-4 start and The Athletic’s James Edwards has noted some troubling trends. They rank last in the league in pace offensively, they’re 30th in free throw attempts per game, and they’ve struggled against opponents that do a lot of switching defensively.
- Recently-signed Knicks forward Matt Ryan played high school ball approximately 20 minutes in drive time from the Knicks current practice facility. “It’s extremely special,” Ryan said of joining the Knicks, per Bondy. “But at the end of the day I know playing for [Tom Thibodeau], it’s going to require a tremendous amount of focus every day, blocking out everything else that’s going on. It’s very lucky, a unique circumstance to come home, play for the Knicks as a Westchester kid. But I’m locked in. Probably never been more focused than I am right now.”
- Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith had his best outing of the season with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal in a win over Memphis on Monday. Brooklyn is certainly hoping the veteran will continue to produce, since he’s been considered a prime trade candidate. Finney-Smith holds a $15.4MM option on his contract for next season. “He’s been guarding centers, he’s been guarding point guards. … I’m doing all this to him and he’s fighting. The fact that I can see him fight defensively, but also see the shot go in, nobody deserves it more than him,” coach Jordi Fernandez told Bridget Reilly of the New York Post.
Fact is they don’t look for Sims. Or have plays for him. He needs to be more aggressive. At least put up a few shots. This is Sims shot at being the backup. It’s up to him to take advantage. Make an impact on winning.
Both Rockets and Hawks played well against Knicks. Out rebounded Knicks. To me that was biggest issue. This is why I start Precious instead of Hart. This also gives Bridges more possessions on offense. For Knicks to have big success. Towns, Brunson, Bridges have to lead the offense.
NYK offense is ahead of where I thought it would be. Brunson hasn’t hit shots down the stretch, and probably should be looking more for others, but I think all that will resolve itself by mid-year. There is great potential here, even if its painful watching the process unfold.
Defense and rebounding has been up and down, but never great like it was down the stretch of last season. That has made us an average team at best. KAT has been fine, but he isn’t a defensive anchor, and its turned guys like OG and Bridges into tentative defenders. In each of the past two seasons, Thibs has fixed bad situations on the defensive end early on, but, in each case, he had a rim protector to bank on, and had the personnel to modify the rotation. Not so much right now. The rebounding issues are also personnel related. We’re small. Mitch can be a big part of solving both problems if he can return healthy. But that appears to be a ways off. Just have to stop the bleeding here with scheme and (more so) effort.
Sims is only playing as KAT’s backup, and is not an offensive option. I’d like to see more impact on the boards, but I’m not sure he can do alot more as the only big on the floor when he’s out there. Happy for Ryan, but I wonder if a big might have been a better add.
Even Randle helped bang. And posted, rebounded. Towns needs another rebounder next to him (Achiuwa). Hart is so much better as 6th man. I truly believe that.
Sims, Hukporti have to step up. Towns is good for 34-36 mins.
Yes, Mitch and Randle were a great duo on the boards.
I’m all for another big in the starting lineup. We’re not physical enough, and its not fair to blame it all on KAT. He’s not a wrecking ball type, like Mitch and Randle were, but within his skill set, I think he’s doing a good job on the boards. He needs help; we need to put another big next to him at least some of the time. A more physical player, a rim protector and/or an offensive rebounder. Achiuwa would be a good choice when he’s healthy. Not a rim protector, but excellent offensive rebounder. Eventually, I think we need to see what Mitch and KAT can do together.
IMO starting Achiuwa helps KAT. It helps the team D. As long as Achiuwa gives us 24-26 mins. That would be great. Hart can still play his 30 mins. Hart as sixth man makes the team better. Also imo helps our offense. Cause now Bridges has to score. Knicks need Bridges to be a top scorer on team.
Mitch backing up Towns. Makes them strong and deep. I’m just not sold on Mitch being OK. Backing up KAT.
Knicks have to Feb to make a decision. Mitch expected back in January. No matter what happens. We need Sims and Hukporti to help the team now. Still high on Hukporti doing something this year.
Achiuwa avg 24.2 mins a gm last yr.
Knicks need to give it some time. The team had a busy offseason and some are still in the introductory period and learning each other on the court. They’re down two bigs that are key defensive players and rebounders.
Big Al is right regarding Hart. He has that Starks energy off the bench that can change the pace. I think it affects him as well. PA would be the logical choice to start, but I could see McBride also starting if Thibs is looking at matchups.
The talent is there offensively (but they need to attack the rim for scoring AND rebounding), but the defense is going to need some time and work.