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.
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.
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