The New York Knicks are soaring following an abnormally slow start to the 2024-25 campaign.
Still, the franchise should consider adjusting their disappointing frontcourt before it’s too late.
“New York Knicks center Jericho Sims hasn’t seen much action this season, and some around the league reportedly believe he could be available before the Feb. 6 trade deadline,” Bleacher Report’s Doric Sam wrote Thursday.
“According to NBA insider Marc Stein, sources said Sims “has played fleeting minutes of late in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, leading the former Texas center to be considered a trade candidate to monitor by rival executives.”
“The Knicks don’t have much depth behind star center Karl-Anthony Towns, as Mitchell Robinson remains sidelined while recovering from offseason ankle surgery.”
“Stein noted that the team “has already gauged Robinson’s trade value dating back to this time last season.”
“Sims has played in 24 out of New York’s 26 games with two starts and he’s averaging 12.5 minutes per game along with 1.8 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 70.4% from the field.”
“After entering the NBA as a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the only time the fourth-year center has averaged over 15 minutes a game in his career was the 2022-23 season.”
On Tuesday, the idea of the Knicks also parting with Precious Achiwua came into play.
“Achiuwa signed a contract that doesn’t make him trade-eligible until January. But that’s also when the Knicks can expect Mitchell Robinson to return,” The Athletic’s Law Murray wrote.
“Putting Achiuwa and (Mitchell) Robinson on the floor together would be malpractice, so Achiuwa should be expendable with the Knicks needing another playable wing, preferably with more skill than what Achiuwa presents.”
While Sims is a springy 6-foot-10 forward who plays well above the rim, his discouraging low-post skills have resulted in limited playing time.
The Texas product averages less than 15 minutes of action with the Knicks this season.
Achiuwa recently returned to the hardwood after suffering a hamstring injury during the preseason. However, the Knicks may include the 6-foot-8 big man in a trade package for a game-changing asset.
Time will tell if the organization moves on from the unsatisfactory frontcourt duo this season.
More NBA: Lakers may swap failed $98 million trio for beloved 2023 NBA champion
