3 Knicks players who should get more minutes to close out 2021-22

2: Jericho Sims

Alright, let’s be real for a minute. If Mitchell Robinson and New York don’t agree to a contract extension, he’s going to become an unrestricted free agent and sign elsewhere. As I’ve said before, I hope that he remains with the Knicks, but the team needs to be prepared for the increased likelihood that they’ll be without their star center next year.

That’s where the second-round pick in the 2021 draft comes into play. Jericho Sims is Robinson’s backup and while he’s in his rookie season, he’s shown promising flashes.

In the 31 games that Sims has played in so far, he’s averaging 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 points, and 10.2 minutes. He’s shooting 67.9% from the floor.

Can Jericho Sims be the New York Knicks starting center if Robinson leaves?

At six-foot-nine, Sims’ athleticism allows for him to be a force down low. He pulls down rebounds with ease and can finish at the rim.

Although his playing time has been limited behind Robinson, he’s finished with 10+ rebounds three times this year. Against the Nets on Mar. 13, Sims shot 3-of-3 from the floor for a season-high six points, along with 10 rebounds and one block in 24 minutes.

If Robinson walks, New York needs to sign another center to either play ahead of Sims or compete with him for the starting spot. In the meantime, Knicks fans deserve to see more of his hops over the next couple of weeks.