The New York Knicks didn’t make too many changes to their roster during the 2023 offseason. Their biggest losses were Derrick Rose, who was removed from the rotation in early December, and Obi Toppin, who was traded to the Indiana Pacers.
While Rose’s leadership and veteran knowledge will be missed, New York has those minutes covered in the backcourt. Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley and Deuce McBride will soak up all the playing time at point guard with Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo having some ball-handling responsibilities as well.
Replacing Toppin, however, could be a little trickier. The Knicks don’t currently have a natural power forward to slot into his spot behind Randle. Isaiah Roby was a name mentioned during the summer, but if his performance in the Summer League means anything, it is that relying on him as a rotation player would be risky.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jericho Sims, Obi Toppin & New York Knicks Updates
Roby didn’t play in the preseason opener against the Boston Celtics, listed as a DNP – Coach’s Decision. That certainly doesn’t bode well for his outlook, as it was Jericho Sims who was given the first crack at replacing Toppin.
There are certainly positives that Sims brings to the table. He has the skill set to be an elite defender, whether it is protecting the rim with his other-worldly athleticism or being switched onto the perimeter. However, those skills don’t translate the same when you are playing power forward, as shown by The Strickland on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Sims’ inexperience starting on the perimeter was on full display there. There are benefits to a two-big lineup, but not when both of them are better off as natural centers. Another clip pointed out Mitchell Robinson and Sims, both excellent rim protectors, getting beat when on the court together.
Tom Thibodeau is one of the best defensive coaches in the NBA, so schemes on that end of the court should be easier to come by. However, he has struggled at times making game plans offensively and using Sims at power forward isn’t going to help.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jericho Sims, Obi Toppin & New York Knicks Updates
The Celtics ignored Sims whenever he was on the court with another center as he isn’t a threat on the perimeter. He isn’t a good shooter and doesn’t have the skill set yet to put the ball on the ground and put pressure on a defense driving to the basket.
As The Strickland pointed out on numerous occasions, the Knicks are quite easy to defend with Sims on the court. You are playing 4-on-5 as the opponent can just ignore him whenever he is on the court. Even the Celtics’ backup players were able to exploit this as all but two reserves finished the game with a positive plus/minus ratio.
There is no doubt that Sims is someone who should be getting some sort of reps throughout the season. But, ideally, none of them would be coming as a power forward until he has the skill set to succeed in such a role.
Against the Celtics he didn’t hurt the team too much being on the court, finishing the game -1 with seven rebounds, three assists and one block. But, Thibodeau isn’t taking advantage of his best lineup combinations if he is going to play Sims for Toppin’s minutes at the power forward spot.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jericho Sims, Obi Toppin & New York Knicks Updates
The backup power forward minutes should go to Hart and Barrett, staggering his emerging young wing with Randle’s minutes giving him more reign on the court. Positionless basketball is something Thibodeau should be looking to take advantage of more as Barrett can thrive in such a setting with his unique skill set.
With excellent rebounding guards, New York won’t be hurt on the glass as much as other teams deploying a lineup combination of Quickley, McBride, Grimes and Barrett with Isaiah Hartenstein or Sims in the middle.
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