Knicks Need 'Bouncy' Jericho Sims to Improve

The New York Knicks are hoping to build off of their playoff run from this past season and advance further in next year's NBA playoffs. Perhaps that next step could be prompted by a player who was injured for the team's postseason run.

Jericho Sims, who's entering his third NBA season, is one of the Knicks' most intriguing prospects. As a former second-round pick, Sims saw an increase in playing time in his second season and could look to make another step in the right direction next year.

"Often barricaded behind Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein, Sims has yet to pave his path to consistent playing time," Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey wrote of Sims when listing the Knicks' top prospects. "Still, it feels like his NBA identity is already established. The bouncy big man is an active rim-runner who can rebound, protect the paint and finish above the rim."

In a league without many strong rim protectors, Sims can establish himself in a role that could lead to a long and fruitful NBA career. He may not have the offensive panache to become elite in that area, but if he can become serviceable, it could lead to more opportunities to see the court.

Sims needs to make an impression on the Knicks this season. With the 2024-25 season on his contract listed as a team option, New York could move on from Sims after the season if he fails to play up to standards.

However, if he continues to bounce into his potential, Sims will probably earn that team option and more playing time. It'll be, no pun intended, a tall task to carve a role in the New York rotation: Tom Thibodeau's nine-man set preferred to have Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein exclusively in the center roles, but Sims might have a chance to impress if the Knicks don't add any depth at power forward behind Julius Randle to replace the traded Obi Toppin.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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