4 Players Knicks Could Acquire in Jericho Sims Deal

When one rises, one must fall. This is particularly true for Jericho Sims, who, despite averaging nearly 15 minutes per game at the start of the season, has now seen his playing time fall off a cliff. Precious Achiuwa‘s return has seen Sims fall to the Knicks’ third-string center, with Sims unable to touch the floor against the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas. In the Knicks’ last seven games, Sims has logged just 35 minutes while logging DNPs in three of them.

Now, his lack of playing time has made him a potential trade candidate, with various contending teams looking for a backup center. The Lakers,  Bucks, Pelicans, and Rockets were viewed as potential suitors. Most of them are contenders, so the Knicks could extract some extra value thanks to their front office. Let’s look at one player the Knicks could get from each of these teams.

4 Players Knicks Could Acquire in Jericho Sims Deal

Houston Rockets: Cam Whitmore

Houston’s crowded group of wings seems to have no space for Cam Whitmore, their 2023 1st-round pick. Whitmore’s offensive numbers have regressed across the board since his rookie year, and his minutes have followed. 12 players on the Rockets have logged more minutes than Whitmore this season. Whitmore becomes an attractive target for the Knicks because he’s a 6-foot-7 wing who has been a good defender this year when he’s seen the floor. The Rockets’ defense is in the 95th percentile when he’s on the court and is 1.9 points worse when he sits. Even on an elite defensive team, he stands out.

The Knicks have enough offensive firepower to mask his weaknesses, and they shore up their frontcourt depth by adding him. He becomes a defender they can use to give Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby rest. Additionally, if one is injured, he becomes a starting option. While a one-for-one swap is unlikely, it’s possible the Knicks could get Whitmore back in a deal with Sims.

New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado

This is the Pelicans season from hell. Their abysmal 5-26 record is a reflection of what’s gone wrong for them over the last few years. There are rumors that the Pelicans are heading toward a full-blown rebuild, and if they do, the Knicks could capitalize on that.

Jose Alvarado is a pest in the truest sense. His infamous trick of hiding to run behind and steal the ball is well-documented. His 95th percentile steal percentage number is a testament to his abilities. Alvarado gives the Knicks a defense-first guard that they currently lack in their rotation. The trio of him, Anunoby, and Bridges would be a force to be reckoned with, as opposing stars will always have to deal with one of the three.

Getting Alvarado will be difficult, but if the Knicks can snag him, he becomes another trick up Tom Thibodeau’s sleeve.

Milwaukee Bucks: Andre Jackson Jr.

There aren’t many players in the league with a higher defensive EPM than Andre Jackson right now. At +2.7, he currently ranks in the 97 percentile or 11th in the league. His 6-foot-6 frame helps him keep all his opponents in front of him while also making him big enough to protect the paint. Jackson’s steal/block numbers aren’t special, but his ability to force opponents into uncomfortable shots is measured outside the numbers.

Jackson isn’t a great shooter, but much like in Whitmore’s case, the Knicks have enough firepower to mask his offensive abilities. Also, much like Whitmore, the Knicks would have to add more assets to land Jackson, as the second-year wing has become a vital part of the Bucks’ rotation.

LA Lakers: Christian Koloko

In his two healthy seasons, cleaning the glass loves Christian Koloko‘s defense. In both healthy seasons, his teams are 8.5 points better on defense than when he sits on the bench. His ability to make the small, unnoticeable plays that contribute to winning was noticeable against the Warriors on Christmas. Koloko had six key rebounds in his 9 minutes of playing time.

His hard screens and boxouts drew attention away from his teammates, causing the Lakers to get the ball back to flip the momentum. Adding him to the Knicks gives them an interior big who can be elite defensively while also giving the Knicks a little versatility on the offensive end.

The Last Word on Jericho Sims’ Return Pieces

Time and time again, Leon Rose has shown the league how well he performs at the trade deadline. From acquiring Josh Hart in the 2023 deadline to getting OG Anunoby last year, Rose has shown us his abilities. He will likely do it this year, too whether it be Sims or someone else. Make sure you keep an eye on the Knicks because they are likely going to surprise the whole NBA this year, too.