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Knicks Center Making Most of Opportunity

The New York Knicks are giving their backup center a chance to prove himself.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Jericho Sims (20) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Jericho Sims (20) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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The backup center role for the New York Knicks is a precarious position, but right now, that spot belongs to fourth-year pro Jericho Sims.

Sims, 25, scored seven points and grabbed seven rebounds in the team's 134-106 win against the Washington Wizards on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, proving that he can be a force off the bench in 19 minutes of action.

Sims earned a start against the Brooklyn Nets last week when Karl-Anthony Towns was out with a knee injury, showing a sign of approval from coach Tom Thibodeau.

“He’s done a good job," Thibodeau said h/t Posting and Toasting. "Defensively he’s very good. As time goes on he’s gonna find when there’s overhelp to get out of his screens quicker and put pressure on the rim. He’s a freak athletically. I think having that vertical threat at the rim is huge for your offense.”

So far this season, Sims is averaging 1.9 points and 4.1 rebounds, but the stats don't tell the full story. He has been better on defense, and his knowledge of the Knicks' defensive system could put him in prime position to be the team's backup center throughout the entire season.

New York will likely look for backup centers on the trade market before the Feb. 6 deadline, and potentially the buyout market if things don't work out for the Knicks in there. But if Sims can find a way to continue producing and improving, the Knicks may feel like he is a better option than anyone else available on the open market.

Sims and the Knicks will look to extend their three-game winning streak as they take on the Phoenix Suns to start a four-game road trip. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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