Clemson’s Simms hopes to latch on with Knicks
Aamir Simms, formerly of Clemson, made sure to watch the NFL debut of his college buddy, Trevor Lawrence.
Undrafted in late July, Simms, 22, signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Knicks for summer league and to attend training camp.
The 6-foot-8 small-ball center is trying to make the Knicks’ 17-man roster as one of the two-way G-League signings. If not, he’s got a $50,000 Exhibit 10 guarantee to play for the Westchester Knicks and wait for an opening.
After Sunday’s voluntary scrimmage in Tarrytown, the rookie got back to his apartment in Westchester County and watched the NFL clash between the Jaguars and Texans. Lawrence, who was picked No. 1 overall by the Jaguars, had a decidedly mixed NFL debut. The Jaguars were blown out, 37-21.
“I don’t think it was bad,” Simms told The Post. “He doesn’t really make many mistakes in a game. He’s a very smart player, analytical. He remembers when he messes up. He won’t make those same mistakes. It was his first game. I thought he looked good at times making some nice plays. He’ll grow from here.”
When the pandemic hit 18 months ago, it shut down all gyms and Clemson’s athletic facilities. Lawrence invited Simms to the house where he was living off campus. It contained a basketball hoop by the driveway. Simms worked on his skills and Lawrence joined him on occasion.
“We developed a friendship during the COVID year at his house,” Simms said. “It was cement ground, a paved area. But it allowed me to work on my game and stay in shape so when we came back I could be the top of my game. I have respect he invited me.”
Simms, who later tested positive for COVID-19, has traded in the orange and purple for the orange and blue.
Despite his size, Simms played center his last two years in college.
A defense-first big who can guard three positions and shoot the 3, Simms was named second-team All ACC last season as a senior. He averaged 13.4 points on 40 percent shooting from 3-point range, along with 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
“I’m definitely looking to make the roster at some point,” Simms said. “I definitely think my game is loaded toward the NBA — the small-ball 5 position. The
Knicks would love someone like that. Someone who doesn’t need a dozen shots a game, someone who will play hard, do smart things.”
Most of the Knicks are already in town working out and staging scrimmages in Tarrytown before training camp begins Sept. 27. Simms hasn’t gone up against center Mitchell Robinson, who is only doing individual drills.
In the summer league, Simms played in just four of the six games. He averaged 11 minutes, 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds.
Rookie center Jericho Sims, picked No. 58, occupies one of the Knicks’ two-way contracts. The second is up for grabs.
Simms is thrilled the Knicks called him after he didn’t get picked in the draft’s second round as expected. During his workout, he fell hard for coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive culture.
“The pre-draft process, the destination was a key for me, the environment, the atmosphere,” Simms said. “After the draft, I wasn’t surprised the organization wanted me. Thibs is known as a gritty coach who puts defense first.
“This fits my game where I can develop under a great coach.”