In a close win over the Charlotte Hornets, Jericho Sims proved why he isn't a mainstay in the Milwaukee Bucks' rotation as he struggled to have a positive impact on the team.
Jericho Sims' foul and turnover trouble costing Bucks
Sims only played two minutes and 20 seconds on Friday, but he managed to pick up two fouls, a turnover and the team was a -7 with him on the floor. The center has found it difficult to secure consistent minutes, and his team's worst turnover ratio of 29.7 does not bode well for his hopes of nailing down a spot in the rotation.
To put Sims' 29.7 turnover ratio into perspective, Mark Sears has the second-highest at 17.4, and he has played just seven games.
Doc Rivers has made numerous changes to his starting lineups and rotations throughout the season, and Sims is a player who has been utilized in various roles. For the most part, he has always been the third strong center, but with Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury, he has four starts to his name, some of which were more impactful than others.
He has appeared in 28 games this season, averaging 3.2 points and 3.9 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game. There is no doubt that his athleticism and ability to switch defensively can be of use to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The five-spot has been a strange one for the Bucks this season. Myles Turner hasn't hit the heights some would hope for, but he looks far better alongside Giannis in the frontcourt. Bobby Portis has been solid as ever, and actually came in for Turner on the Bucks' final possession on Friday that led to Giannis' game-winner.
Milwaukee currently sits one game back from the Play-In spots out East, and they cannot afford to be giving up easy possessions with sloppy turnovers.
If the center wants to remain a part of the rotation, he can't be causing the team to lose possessions, especially if he is playing limited minutes. With the trade deadline fast approaching and rumors still rife around the Bucks, there is the potential that the Bucks make a move to bring someone in and knock Sims further down the depth chart.
Sims is not a big issue for the Bucks, considering his role with the team, but he needs to clean up his play because, in close games, it could cost the team. They have a tough stretch coming up, and they need everyone to be at their best.