Where do Quentin Grimes and Jericho Sims fit into the Knicks’ future?

Jericho Sims could be the future center in New York

There have been several developments at the center position this offseason in New York. The franchise brought back starter Mitchell Robinson with a four year extension, added a budding young talent in Isaiah Hartenstein, and parted ways with veteran presence Taj Gibson.

All of these variables will greatly impact the future of sophomore phenomenon Jericho Sims, who recently earned himself his own contract extension as well after being converted from the two-way spot.

Sims is a great question mark for the Knicks right now. He made his way onto the scene following some injuries suffered by Robinson last season and he showcased world class athleticism and size, despite still being a raw NBA talent.

In Summer League, he has been a human highlight reel, out-sizing just about everyone on the court and demanding respect in the paint.

The first rule of Summer League is to not overembellish Summer League. Sims spent last season on an NBA roster and he had an opportunity to play some valuable minutes. Still, Sims showed confidence in his ability to body up other players, be aggressive on the boards, and even saw opportunities to run more in transition.

Sims also showed an ability to be mobile and versatile on defense, stopping fast breaks and closing out on shooters, as well as being a sky rising shot blocker and rim protector.

Regardless of his role, his contract is a steal in value for a player with his ceiling. He fits the same mold as Robinson, but may actually have the physique to withstand the greater length of an NBA season.

What role Jericho Sims can have in 2022-23 and beyond for the Knicks

Sims’ path to consistent playing time will not be one that is met without adversity, but his opportunity will come. Robinson has a history of injuries, and while playing a record 72 games last season, he missed over half the year in 2020-21. Hartenstein does complicate things further, but his play style varies from Sims’ quite a bit.

New York will most likely use Hartenstein as a polar opposite player to create different spacing options on the floor, whereas Sims and Robinson both control the paint.

Sims makes an impact with his size and athleticism and he will demand minutes when Robinson faces tough outings or injury problems.

With Robinson under contract, he will maintain a majority of the minutes as the season begins. Whether the Knicks are sold on him as their future or not is hearsay; they were never going to let him go for nothing in return.

New York managed to get decent value on his deal. When you look at how he can impact a game on any given night, it will only increase in value as the salary cap rises.

For now, Sims will work out of the third rotation spot and fight for opportunity. As time goes on, though, and he continues to grow, the Knicks may see more value in having him and Hartenstein together while allocating money elsewhere, like the looming RJ Barrett extension.

Sims will complement Robinson night in and night out and offer the Knicks significant depth at a needy position, as leaning heavily on Taj Gibson in the 2021 playoffs was a major result of New York’s failure in the series.

If he continues to show promise, the Knicks will have a great trade piece in Robinson and an heir apparent in Jericho Sims. Look for Sims to groom his NBA game this season and demand more minutes as the snow begins to fall this winter.

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