As far as scoring plays go, there’s truly a special kind of excitement that comes with watching athletic specimens complete a lob dunk.
It’s not so much about the points; it’s about the energy, the momentum and the sheer spectacle of watching a player soar through the air to finish a play that feels almost impossible.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, they haven't quite had that kind of player outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo — that is, until Jericho Sims came to town.
Milwaukee's newfound athleticism brings with it more verticality
Since the All-Star break, Sims has been on the receiving end of four alley-oop dunks, a number that Bobby Portis hasn’t reached all season. In fact, according to NBA.com/stats, Portis has exactly zero alley-oop dunks this year. While Portis is a proven three-level scorer who brings grit and toughness, Sims offers something different: verticality. And it’s changing the way the Bucks play.
Sims’ athleticism is impossible to ignore. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and elite leaping ability, he’s a nightmare for defenses in transition and pick-and-roll situations.
His ability to finish above the rim has already made him a favorite target for Kevin Porter Jr., who has assisted the former Knicks big man on seven plays since joining the team. Whether it’s a perfectly timed lob in transition or a quick dump-off in the half-court, Sims’ chemistry with KPJ is giving the Bucks a dimension they haven’t had in years. And it's all thanks to his near-elite verticality, which the Milwaukee Bucks have long only had from Giannis.
For a team that’s often criticized for its lack of athleticism, Sims is a breath of fresh air. His ability to stretch defenses vertically creates driving lanes for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, and his presence as a lob threat forces opponents to think twice about collapsing into the paint. It’s a small but significant adjustment that’s making the Bucks’ offense more dynamic.
To be clear, this isn’t a knock on BP, who has been a cornerstone of the Bucks’ success for years, bringing scoring, rebounding and an unmatched intensity to the court. His ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting and score in the post makes him a valuable piece of the puzzle. But there’s one thing Bobby Portis can’t do: play above the rim.
This matters because Giannis' verticality is hardly taken advantage of when his usage rate is at 35.7 percent for the season, which is the highest in the league. When Giannis has the ball in his hands, he's often screened by Portis and Lopez, who have only two options in those situations: roll hard to the rim, or fade out to the three-point line.
As a roll man, Portis is a middle-of-the-pack 76th percentile among centers, while Lopez is a lowly 55th percentile. And that has everything to do with the kinds of plays they're capable of finishing, which has everything to do with their athleticism.
Obviously, the only reason this comparison is being made is because Portis has been out while Sims has been filling his minutes. There are naturally many things that Jericho can't do that Bobby can, but the difference in energy without Portis on the floor has been nothing short of striking.
It's not the worst thing in the world when you're a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate, but it is what it is: Portis’ lack of verticality and reliance on isolation in the post simply limits his offensive dynamism in the pick and roll and hurts the team as a whole.
While he’s a crafty scorer who can get buckets in a variety of ways, he doesn’t have the explosiveness to be a consistent lob threat. It’s not a flaw in Portis’ game but a reminder that every player has their strengths and limitations. And when you have passers like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo facilitating the pick and roll, the best thing you can give them is options.
Sims’ emergence as a lob threat is more than just a fun highlight-reel addition—it’s a strategic advantage. In a league that’s increasingly focused on spacing and versatility, having a player who can finish above the rim is a luxury. He can't shoot the way Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez can, but his upward ability forces defenses to account for him at all times, opening up opportunities for the Milwaukee Bucks’ stars to operate.
There's also immense value in Sims' athleticism in that his impact goes beyond offense. Unlike both Portis and Lopez, his mobility makes him a valuable defender, capable of switching onto smaller players and contesting shots at the rim. While he’s still raw and learning the nuances of the NBA game, his potential is undeniable. If he can continue to develop his skills and refine his game, he could be a key piece of the Bucks’ future.
Jericho Sims is giving the Bucks something Bobby Portis could never: a lob threat. His athleticism and chemistry with Kevin Porter Jr. are adding a new dimension to the Bucks’ offense, one that’s been missing for years. While Portis remains a vital part of the team, Sims’ ability to play above the rim is a reminder of how important verticality can be in today’s NBA.
As the Bucks gear up for the playoffs, Sims’ role could become even more critical. Whether it’s finishing alley-oops, protecting the rim, or simply providing a spark off the bench, he’s proving he belongs. And for a team with championship aspirations, that’s exactly what they need.
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