For years, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been an elite cutter. Now, with the Greek Freak making his way to the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks will need someone else to take up this responsibility. Jericho Sims feels like the obvious candidate, given how productive he was when cutting to the hoop on the hunt for points last season. Now, he might have the chance to do it on an even greater scale.
Sims should always be cutting for Bucks
Sims led the Milwaukee Bucks in points off cuts this past season with 112. Known for doing almost all of his damage at the rim, Sims feasted off opportunities Milwaukee's ball-handlers generated for him, especially on his cuts. The Bucks needed it, considering Giannis was second on the list with 90 points despite playing just 34 games. Sheesh. It was oftentimes a needed shot in the arm offensively.
What primarily fueled Sims' success, and what made this particular play so impactful, was the sheer efficiency in which he converted the attempts. The big man shot 51-of-59 (86.4 percent). Among all players league-wide to attempt at least 50 shots on cuts, Sims led the NBA in percentage—second was Zion Williamson, who wasn't even close to dethroning him at 81.1 percent.
That type of efficiency doesn't grow on trees. Sims has a real knack for these situations, and letting it go to waste would be painful. The Milwaukee Bucks can't let that happen.
Sims' role is clear for the Bucks
When he's on the floor, Sims' objective offensively should be to remain as active as he can, especially in cutting situations. No one is saying he can replace Giannis' dominance, but he could benefit from having the same type of spacing that the Greek Freak did over the years, using it to his advantage to attack the hoop with little resistance as defenses look to guard shooters on the perimeter.
While the Milwaukee Bucks have two other quality centers in Myles Turner and Kel'el Ware, their ability to shoot the long ball means they could play alongside Sims rather than in place of him. Having Taylor Jenkins, who has paired two big men together in the past, as coach will only fuel Sims' case to play legitimate minutes rather than serving as just a depth piece.
There is a reason they are called "role players." They all have a role to play, and for Sims, his revolves around cutting again and again.
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