All season long, there's been plenty of chatter about the Milwaukee Bucks' lack of youth, athleticism and speed at the center spot. As fans predicted would happen, it's been a major issue for the Bucks in the first two games of the NBA Playoffs, and unless major adjustments are coming, it could be the final nail in the coffin for Milwaukee's title hopes.
First and foremost, this series is a bad matchup for Brook Lopez. The big man simply does not have the physical chops to stick with the Pacers, who have been exploiting him at every turn. Not only is he not making much of an impact offensively with his 8.5 points per game, but players are also shooting 17-of-26 (65.4 percent) with Brook Lopez as their primary defender.
This has led to Brook Lopez seeing a smaller role, and rightfully so. Bobby Portis isn't a defensive ace, but he's actually been impressive this series, holding players to 8-of-23 shooting (34.8 percent), while averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds. He should continue to see major minutes, but he cannot hold down the center spot alone; Doc Rivers must let his secret weapon off the leash.
It's time for the Bucks to give Jericho Sims extended run
To be clear, Jericho Sims isn't some miracle worker. He's not going to come in and change everything for the Milwaukee Bucks. However, there's a reason Bucks fans were thrilled when the team acquired him at the trade deadline this season; he simply fits better against fast teams like Indiana than Lopez and even Portis at times. He has the athletic ability to actually combat what Indiana provides.
The numbers highlight Sims' impact. He currently has a +/- of +4, the highest on the entire roster two games in. Players are also shooting 3-of-12 (25 percent) with him as their primary defender, the best on the Bucks. Sims isn't going to stuff the stat sheet offensively, but with the Pacers demolishing the Bucks in the minutes where Lopez is at center, it's clear they need something new defensively.
Despite the team-best numbers, Sims is only averaging 8.8 minutes in two games. In a series where he can clearly help, that's far too little. If Sims can play rousing defense while catching a lob here and there and also fighting for boards - he outrebounded Lopez in Game 2 despite playing only half the minutes - he could have a legitimate impact on this series.
Doc Rivers made it clear after Game 2 that adjustments are coming for the Milwaukee Bucks, and one of them needs to feature Jericho Sims taking on a larger role at center.
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