The Silent Killer: Injury Threatens to Derail Bucks’ Championship Dreams
The Milwaukee Bucks were involved in a four-team deal at the NBA trade deadline. They added two new pieces in the trade. One was 2020 NBA champion, Kyle Kuzma. The player less talked about received in the deal was center Jericho Sims. The 26-year-old big man has played a larger-than-expected role off the bench for Milwaukee since joining the team. Unfortunately, Jericho Sims has sustained an injury that will sideline him for a while.
Bucks Key Reserve May Be Out For Remainder Of Regular Season
Jericho Sims Suffers Thumb Injury
It was on Saturday where the 6-foot-10 Sims suffered an injury to his right thumb. An update stated that he would attempt to play through it, but that he may need surgery at some point. After playing on Sunday, apparently Sims and the team decided to go through with the option of going under the knife.
As announced by the Bucks on their social media, Sims did have the surgery on his right thumb to repair a torn ligament. He is expected to miss around four weeks, but the team stated he is expected to return for the playoffs.
At 38-29, Milwaukee has 15 games remaining in the regular season. Their last outing takes place on Sunday, April 13, 27 days after Sims’ four-week timetable was announced. If that projected time on the shelf proves to be accurate, then the four-year veteran should be back in time for the postseason.
Sims’ Role Since Joining Milwaukee
Since joining the Bucks, Sims has appeared in 14 contests as a reserve center behind Brook Lopez. Playing 15 minutes an outing, he has averaged 2.4 points and 4.9 rebounds.
While those aren’t eye-popping averages, Sims does excel in certain areas. He is an athletic center with mighty hops who can provide above-average rim protection. He can be offensively-challenged, but also can give his teams extra opportunities on the offensive glass.
The Bucks are not brimming with options to play backup center minutes. They have Pete Nance as an option who is on a two-way deal. Giannis Antetokounmpo is also capable of manning the middle when Lopez is resting.
Prior to joining the Bucks, Sims was selected in the second round (58th overall) by the New York Knicks in 2021. He started 37 games in his time with New York.
Milwaukee In Tight Race In Eastern Conference Standings
Right now, the Bucks are trying to remain the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. That will ensure them homecourt advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Their 38-29 mark is tied with the Indiana Pacers for fourth-best in the conference. Milwaukee defeated Indiana on Saturday, giving them the tiebreaker due to winning the season series 3-1.
The Detroit Pistons sit just a game back in sixth at 38-31. It won’t be easy for the Bucks in their next few scheduled games. They begin a five-game West Coast trip against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Following that, they go on the road to take on the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Denver Nuggets.
