Knicks rookie Aamir Simms shares thoughts on the debut of his friend, Jags QB Trevor Lawrence
When it comes to learning a professional game as a rookie, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence isn’t the only player from Clemson trying to find his way. His friend and New York Knicks rookie Aamir Simms is dealing with the same thing as he’s trying to seize an opportunity and make the team’s active roster after receiving an Exhibit 10 tryout contract.
Despite being a very busy person at this point of the year, Simms told the New York Post that he got the chance to watch Lawrence, who he got to know when the COVID-19 pandemic started. During the period where many public buildings were closed, Simms told the New York Post that Lawrence invited the former Clemson basketball player to the house he was staying in off campus, which allowed him to practice. During those workouts, there were even times where Lawrence would join him and that act of kindness is something he hasn’t forgotten about to this day.
“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.”
As for how he thought Lawrence fared against Houston, Simms said he felt the Jags rookie had a performance where he made some good plays and added that he believes Lawrence will grow from the mistakes he made.
“I don’t think it was bad,” Simms said. “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 pays. He’ll grow from here.”
Simms certainly knows his friend very well as Lawrence admitted that his picks were a result of trying to do too much. However, he seemed more than confident that he would be able to use the negatives in his debut as teaching moments and added that his focus was on to the next game.
“I know I’m going to respond well,” he said. “I’m made of the right stuff, so I don’t have any doubt about that. But it’s frustrating, and I hate losing. I hate losing. So we’re going to get better. But that’s all you can do is watch the tape, learn from it, get better, and move on. We’ve just got to stick together. That’s the main thing. That’s kind of in the past. That’s over. It is what it is. We’ve got to move on to next week and stick together. So it’s going to be good.”
