Experienced restaurant chefs worldwide never under estimate the importance of marinating certain foods. This same formula can be applied to how slowly the New York Knicks are bringing along projects Jericho Sims and Miles McBride. New York Knicks other 2021 second round pick Rokas Jokubaitis is playing superb basketball overseas as well. Quentin Grimes has shown professionalism and skill beyond his years. Miles McBride and Jericho Sims also have shown tremendous professionalism, however, their games respectively still requires development. Player development in the NBA G-League is evident this season, unlike last season when the Knicks refused to send former Knick players Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina to Westchester in order to fine tune their skills when playing time wasn’t available. The Knicks front office seem to have their eyes on the long term which most likely will include Sims, McBride, Grimes, and Jokubaitis.
Miles McBride’s Slow Development Calls for Patience.
Miles McBride is currently averaging 28.9-points to go along with 9.6-assists and 6.4-rebounds per game for the Westchester Knicks. The 21-year old 6’1” 195 lbs guard who was taken in the second round during the 2021 NBA Draft plays tenacious defense, and unselfish offensive basketball. Even with the Knicks suffering from a Derrick Rose injury, McBride is still only seeing garbage time and Knick fans are wondering why. It’s obvious the rookies will continue developing at a slow and steady pace which could solidify their roles next season. Diamonds are formed with constant pressure and molding. Building good habits amongst Sims and McBride seems to be the goal from a front office standpoint.
Jericho Sims Continues to Display Natural Talent as Development Continues.
High flying phenom, Jericho Sims is another second round pick from the 2021 NBA Draft. The 6’9” athletic forward is athletic as they come. Possessing elite jumping ability and open court speed, Sims potential is extremely high. The former Texas Longhorn is considered a project, therefore, overall developmental molding is crucial. Sims is currently averaging 14.0-points to go along with 11.3-rebounds and 1.5-steals for Westchester. Sims adds immense physicality, something the Knicks thirst for. Sims gaining confidence while asserting himself more would be scary.
Knicks Rookie Grimes Begins to Shine After Being Buried on Bench.
New York Knicks first round 2021 NBA Draft pick Quentin Grimes is turning into a solid plug and play option for Tom Thibodeau. Terrific defense, smart, and unselfish offense is helping Grimes earn respect and minutes. It all started with practice and overall approach to the game according to the New York Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau. During the last four games, Grimes is averaging 10.8-points per game to go along with 1.3-steals whilst shooting a little above 45% from three point territory. Grimes is currently shooting 50% from the field overall during the latest four game stretch. Early in the season Grimes was buried on the bench.
Overall, the Knicks have talent cooking, both in the G-league and overseas. So far Grimes has earned Thibodeau’s trust, however it wasn’t always the case. Will McBride and Sims do the same? Time will tell and the Knicks seem to be in no rush.
[…] Grimes has been a standout candidate for a 25th overall pick, as our own Mikey Murphy details, Immanuel Quickley has found his groove […]