LAS VEGAS — Armed along with his new contract and an much more chiseled physique, Jericho Sims was probably the most spectacular Knick of their Summer League opener Friday night time.
Reminders of his athleticism had been sprinkled all through New York’s 101-88 victory over the Warriors, most particularly when he soared above the rim for alley-oops.
His sixth dunk of the night, an alley-oop from Quentin Grimes, was Sims’ remaining spotlight, and, consider it or not, one thing of a throwback.
As Grimes revealed in a type of enjoyable anecdotes usually reserved for Summer League, Sims was his host throughout an official go to to the University of Texas 5 years in the past. We can’t think about Sims was particularly verbose on the campus life and tradition in Austin (‘he’s an introvert,’ as Derrick Rose as soon as defined), however the heart spoke loudly within the health club with Grimes.
“It’s kind of nothing new,” Grimes mentioned after he and Sims mixed for 40 factors towards the Warriors. “When I went on my go to to Texas, I threw a pair lobs to him within the open health club. So it’s sort of coming full circle taking part in with the Knicks. “
Still, Sims was largely ignored as an NBA prospect as a result of he’s undersized for a middle (about 6-foot-9) and hasn’t demonstrated versatility offensively exterior of his array of dunks. He fell to the 58th total decide, or simply third-to-last, and impressed sufficient to not solely crack the rotation however have his two-way contract transformed to a three-year, $6 million deal.
The settlement was reached whereas the workforce practiced in Vegas, which allowed Sims to have fun simply exterior his door.
“He went and did some shopping at the hotel,” Grimes mentioned. “He spent a couple bags during the time off after practice so he definitely got his money worth.”
(The Knicks canceled all their media availability for Summer League practices and didn’t make Sims accessible following Saturday’s sport).
So what’s in retailer for Sims this season? It’s tough to foretell accidents and rotation modifications, however he’s secured a spot on the roster and can seemingly play behind Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein. Of the three, Sims is probably the most athletic with a 44.5-inch vertical.
Despite his quiet persona, there’s additionally a aggressive streak in Sims. We noticed it Friday night time when he was placed on skates by guard Mac McClung for a layup within the third quarter. Sims rapidly adopted with an uptick in vitality and consecutive alley-oop dunks. That drive is vital for giant males, specifically, as a result of usually they’re thrown into the game due to their measurement and lack the eagerness to get higher.
“Yeah, he’s special. That lob I threw to him – I thought I threw it early but I threw it right on time,” Grimes mentioned. “He’s a freak athlete. Congratulations to him on his new contract and everything. I’m just super excited for him. Best to come for him, for sure.”
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
Grimes spent a second straight offseason coaching with Memphis coach Penny Hardaway, with an emphasis on playmaking.
It’s an space of experience for Hardaway, a former All-Star level guard whose stint with the Knicks shouldn’t be price describing.
For Grimes, the connection to Hardaway was made via his agent, David Bauman of Independent Sports & Entertainment, and
“He’s kind of like a big uncle to me,” Grimes mentioned. “Just took me under his wing and helped me play the point guard position a lot better. Because that’s what I was in high school.”
With Jalen Brunson, Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley within the fold – together with Julius Randle and RJ Barrett requiring time with the ball – it’s unlikely Grimes will get prolonged time as a playmaker.
But it’s definitely related to Summer League, the place Grimes is the highest canine on the Knicks and scored a team-high 24 factors with eight assists on Friday.
“Just initiating the offense. Playmaking and pick-and-roll. That’s what (Tom Thibodeau) wanted, that’s kind of my goal after last year,” Grimes mentioned. “Come in, work on that, and hopefully come in this year and have a bigger role offensively while sticking to my roots as a defensive player and a shooter.”
DEBUT TO REMEMBER AND FORGET
Trevor Keels’ debut was memorable for its symbolism, however the stat line wasn’t one thing for the scrap e-book.
The forty second decide missed seven of his eight pictures in 25 minutes whereas scoring three factors. The spotlight was 4 steals, and, after all, the sensation of undertaking a objective.
“Just had chills, especially in the walkway before the game, seeing the crowd, seeing the NBA logo,” Keels mentioned. “It’s a lot of emotions. I’m proud of myself, proud of the guys that helped me get here, supported me. I made it. I remember watching Summer League on TV all the time, begging my dad to come to Vegas to come to a game and now I’m playing.”
Keels, 18, is anticipated to signal a two-way contract and will get time in G League. He’s the one Knicks draft decide this 12 months. The step up in energy and physicality is perhaps tough at first for Keels, who would possibly profit from a coaching camp of conditioning and the burden room.
“I didn’t think I was going to (get drafted) that low. But it is what it is. …Of course I’m going to make sure all the teams pay that passed up on me,” Keels mentioned. “But I’m excited I’m a Knick. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I wouldn’t go back and change it.”
ENTOURAGE
Julius Randle and James Dolan had been among the many Knicks contingent to point out up in Vegas for the workforce’s opener.
Besties Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley had been additionally readily available, together with the entrance workplace.
Dolan, a 67-year-old bachelor who was accompanied by a number of younger ladies, is constructing his sphere-shaped leisure area about two miles from the Summer League courts.
Leon Rose, William Wesley and Tom Thibodeau had been seated in the identical row. Rose and Wesley made certain to greet LeBron James when he confirmed up courtside for the Lakers sport. Rose, a former agent, represented James earlier than ‘The Decision.’
Neither Thibodeau nor any member of the Knicks entrance workplace has spoken publicly because the season ended three months in the past.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com