New York Knicks center Jericho Sims had surgery on his right shoulder, ending his season in the NBA, according to ESPN.
Jericho Sims underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair a torn labrum and cuff tendon in his right shoulder at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He’s expected to be ready for the start of training camp in the fall.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) April 27, 2023
The Knicks’ third-string center had made clear strides in his second season, particularly as a rebounder and defender, where he was the 6th-best defender of any Knicks player to take the court this year, according to FiveThirtyEight’s RAPTOR metric.
The 53rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Sims began on a two-way contract and then proved his value enough to be given a standard NBA deal last season.
The former Texas Longhorn has never put up monster numbers, even during his four years in college, but he is an intimidating physical presence who possesses elite athleticism. Sims is frequently an asset in transition and has made a name for himself as a high-flyer, even competing in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest this year.
Jericho Sims first dunk attempt lands him a 47.6/50 in Round 1 pic.twitter.com/TKB3heYihe
— The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) February 19, 2023
Sims emerged as a member of the Knicks rotation this year while Mitchell Robinson was out with a fractured finger. However, Sims went back to being out of the rotation once Robinson returned and then has been out of the lineup since April 7 with a shoulder injury.
On the season, Sims averaged 3.4 points and 4.7 rebounds, while shooting 78% from the field in 15.6 minutes per game. He has not attempted a single three-point shot in his NBA career.
With Sims likely being healthy for training camp, he should be back to battle for a final spot as an athletic backup big man on New York’s roster.
