Jericho Sims gets Tom Thibodeau praise as Knicks depth forced into action

Tom Thibodeau talked up his current bench — including high praise for Jericho Sims “elite” rebounding — in the wake of Precious Achiuwa’s hamstring injury throwing a wrench in the projected rotation. “We have more than enough,” Thibodeau said, repeating a familiar Thibs-ism.“So next guy get in there, and get the job done.

I love the depth of our team.” Achiuwa, who is expected to be the first frontcourt player off the bench, is out at least 2-4 weeks because of the strain suffered in the preseason finale Friday.Sims, a fourth-year center, and rookie Ariel Hukporti are now the only natural backup centers/power forwards on the roster. Sims had some rough moments in preseason and was pulled by Thibodeau after a mistake in the second quarter Friday.

But the coach highlighted Sims’ rebounding, which included 15.7 rebounds per 36 minutes over five appearances. “There were some good things and some things obviously [he] could do better,” Thibodeau said.“His rebounding was off the charts, which was huge for us.

… That’s elite.So bring rebounding, bring defense, bring athleticism, put the pressure on the rim, set great screens.

And oftentimes, there’s not stats that are reflected in that, other than you’re helping the team function well.He has the ability, because of his athleticism, to play very well.

So you play the ball, stay below the roller, get back, make a decision in the restricted — those are things that are hard to measure but because of his athleticism, it’s what he’s good at.” One or both of Sims and Hukporti will see time in Tuesday’s season opener.Thibodeau was noncommittal on the number of players in his rotation. “Whatever we need.

Again, you have to look at your opponent and you have to ask, ‘What are the matchups going to be?” Thibodeau said.“That’s a big factor in it.

Some teams are going to play eight, some play eight and a half, some nine.Very few play 10.

And so if they’ve got their s...