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3 Players Thibodeau must be more open-minded with in Knicks playoff run

By Jordanna Clark

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are back in the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, and there’s more reason to be excited about this year’s team than the 2020-21 version. After winning only one playoff game in 2021, the Knicks are hoping to change that and advance to the second round over the Cavaliers.

A large part of what New York will be able to accomplish in the playoffs hinges on Julius Randle’s availability. The two-time All-Star sprained his left ankle at the end of March and is set to be re-evaluated this week. Hopefully, he’ll be able to be ready to go in time for Game 1 on Saturday.

SNY’s Ian Begley reported earlier this month that the Knicks’ playoff rotation wasn’t set yet. Tom Thibodeau was already operating on a shortened rotation, but perhaps the final few games of the regular season helped him to decide who should receive more playing time. Sorry, Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier.

With the start of the playoffs still three days away, here are three players that Thibodeau needs to be more open-minded with in the postseason.

3 Knicks players Tom Thibodeau needs to be more open-minded with in playoffs

3: Jericho Sims

Last year, Jericho Sims had his two-way contract converted to a standard deal. In his second regular season in the league, he averaged 3.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 15.6 minutes. He started in 16 of the 52 games that he played.

When Mitchell Robinson fractured his thumb in January, Sims and Hartenstein had to step it up. Since then, Hartenstein has improved drastically, which is why he’s Robinson’s primary backup and should continue to play that role in the playoffs. However, if Robinson gets in foul trouble trying to contain Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Thibodeau will need to give Sims some minutes.

The 24-year-old wasn’t on the Knicks team that made it to the playoffs two seasons ago, so this will be a big change in environment for Sims if his number is called. Robinson’s improved drastically this season by not picking up silly fouls, but Allen and Mobley will still be tough for New York’s defense to handle. It wouldn’t hurt for Thibodeau to throw Sims in there if the Knicks are struggling to contain that duo.

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