Twice now, tagging Jericho Sims as a starter hasn't worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks. It didn't go quite as poorly as the first time, but that strategy against the 76ers contributed to a lethargic start on offense that dug the Bucks an early hole. By itself, Sims' offensive game is effectively a zero, given his lack of shot creation or floor spacing. While he is a weapon as an energy guy, lob threat, and rebounder, those traits are better suited to a bench role in their Giannis-starved lineup.
Bucks must ditch Sims experiment for real this time
Doc Rivers at least saw enough from Sims to keep him on the floor versus Philadelphia. That wasn't the case during his start against Portland. But two points in 30 minutes just isn't enough. 76ers defenders could leave him wide open anywhere but underneath the basket. In Giannis Antetokounmpo's enormous absence, the Bucks need sheer production. Sims can't give them that.
It showed. Despite hitting some early threes, Milwaukee simply couldn't find a rhythm early on. In Sims's eight first quarter minutes, the Bucks scored a total of 13 points. Bobby Portis subbed in for Sims and scored a quick five points, but they ended the period down 33-20 and spent the rest of the game playing catch-up.
It was far from the only issue, but having Sims on the floor didn't help the offense get settled in. Portis' immediate punch only highlighted Sims' limitations. While Rivers doesn't have a great option to fall back on, instead going with Portis (two starts so far) or Kyle Kuzma (nine) makes a lot more sense.
It's hard to fault him for being tempted after Sims' high-flying night in the game before. In his first double-double as a Buck, he put up 15 points and 14 points on 7-of-7 from the field. Portis has defensive issues. Kuzma looked rough in his last two games and tends to play better off the bench.
But Sims' second outing stood in stark contrast to his Pistons performance. For whatever reason, he couldn't hook up with Bucks ball handlers at all. Rivers likes having a rim roller, but if Sims isn't coming up with lobs or putbacks, he doesn't give the offense anything. Most nights, unlike in Wednesday's comeback win, Milwaukee can't afford to start sluggish. Without Giannis, they need Portis' range and scoring or Kuzma's aggression as a facilitator.
More than anything, the offense needs sheer production for a boost out of the gate. Sims has value, but it's wasted as a starter. Hopefully Rivers has seen enough to convince himself likewise.