Knicks Center Out For Remainder Of Playoffs After Shoulder Surgery

New York Knicks big man Jericho Sims is out for the remainder of the 2023 NBA Playoffs after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The New York Knicks took down the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95 on Wednesday night, winning their first-round series and advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2013. 

Jalen Brunson has been fantastic for the Knicks, but the story in the playoffs so far has been the play of New York's frontcourt and their effort rebounding on both ends of the floor. 

Unfortunately for New York, they will be down a man at the center spot moving forward, as second-year big man Jericho Sims underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday. 

According to the team, Sims underwent successful surgery to repair a torn labrum and cuff tendon in his right shoulder and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp ahead of the 2023-24 season. 

Playing in 52 games this season, Sims saw more action than he did during his rookie year, averaging 3.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in about 15.6 minutes per game. 

Having his two-way contract converted to a standard deal this season, the 58th overall pick from the 2021 NBA Draft is a very athletic center the Knicks are high on behind Mitchell Robinson in the team's depth chart. 

When Robinson got hurt earlier in the year, Sims even stepped up into the starting unit, as he made a career-high 16 starts this season. 

Coming off shoulder surgery heading into his third season, Jericho Sims will likely continue to serve a role on the bench for the Knicks.

After defeating Cleveland in the first-round, New York now advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals and they will take on the Miami Heat in a seven-game series beginning on Sunday, April 30.