When most NBA fans think of Jericho Sims, they think of a lob threat and rebounder. That's all. While he can certainly do both, Sims also flexed passing chops with the Milwaukee Bucks last season that he seemingly wants to make more of a staple in his arsenal. Speaking after Bucks practice recently, Sims didn't mince words about embracing more opportunities to spread his wings.
"That's one thing I can add to the team. The systems a little bit different, so I think there's going to be more opportunities for me, for example, to pass and [be] ready to dish it to guys and see what I can do."
Sims' passing can be a weapon
Throughout his first four NBA seasons, Sims tallied 104 assists. This past season alone, Sims had... 104 assists. With former Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo missing time, Sims took on more responsibility, free to expand his game beyond just camping down low and either catching a lob or hauling in a rebound.
Like Giannis had for many years, Sims benefited greatly from being surrounded by an elite cast of 3-point shooters. He logged 19 assists off passes to AJ Green, largely thanks to the guard knocking in 48.7 percent of his perimeter shots. Ryan Rollins wasn't quite as efficient, shooting 35.5 percent from deep off Sims' passes, but he still helped gift Sims 14 assists.
Though Giannis is gone, the sweet shooting remains—it might even be better with players such as Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakucionis now in the fold. Sims will have more opportunities to drive and kick than ever before, which could absolutely take his passing to the next level. It could make him a useful Swiss Army Knife in Taylor Jenkins' rotation.
Jenkins' system will be worth monitoring
As Sims mentioned, Jenkins' new system is a little different than what he was under with the Bucks in recent years.
Does that mean he potentially wants to roll out the double-big lineup like he did with the Memphis Grizzlies? Lineups with Sims and Myles Turner or Kel'el Ware could certainly be interesting, especially given that those two complement Sims well as perimeter shooters. Maybe that means he wants the team to focus more on hauling in rebounds, which would be great for Sims' playing time odds.
No matter the case, there will almost certainly be a role for Sims in Milwaukee. He'll always be a great lob threat and board chaser, but if he can expand his game and become a better passer, it will make all the more sense to play him, especially if the Bucks entertain trading Myles Turner as the season goes on.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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