Quentin Grimes has become an integral part of the Philadelphia 76ers' offense, which has been insatiable so far this campaign. However, with Tyrese Maxey recuperating from an illness that has prevented him from featuring for the Sixers since a 112-108 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on December 8, Grimes has been awarded a starting role in Philadelphia's frontcourt. Now that this is the case, the 76ers' secondary unit is struggling to have a positive effect on the game.
After arriving from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024-25 season, the versatile guard has consistently displayed his devastating attributes. Since putting pen to paper on a one-year $8.7 million qualifying deal with Philadelphia in the offseason, Grimes has continued in this rich vein of form -- averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, while only starting six of his 24 appearances.
Nevertheless, without Maxey's explosive scoring antics on the floor and Grimes supplementing this offensive contribution from the bench, the secondary players are unable to make the desired impact on the game.
Secondary unit struggles limit Grimes' role
Unfortunately for Grimes, due to his teammates' recent performances during Maxey's recent bout of illness, he will be defined as an impact bench player rather than an indispensable starting option, especially when it results in a loss like Philadelphia's latest 120-117 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks.
Grimes may have only recorded 14 points during this matchup, but it was his compatriots who had a lesser role in the rotation that exhibited more concerning issues. The players who entered the game from the substitute bench only accumulated a total of nine points during their time on the floor.
Of course, not every player who enters the game in this manner is considered a primary scoring option, so it is not always a fair comparison. Andre Drummond is the perfect example of this argument, as he snatched ten rebounds in around 20 minutes of action.
However, Jared McCain and Justin Edwards are two players who must drain shots if the Sixers still have the ambition of having a deep run in the postseason, particularly when Grimes steps into Maxey's shoes if he is unavailable for selection. The duo combined for a grand total of zero points during the Atlanta defeat.
In comparison, when coming off the bench for Philadelphia, the former Dallas guard has recorded 20+ points on seven occasions. Not only this, but Grimes provides a different dynamic to the offense when placed into a rotation alongside Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. The ball moves quicker and defenders are more willing to leave a player open to prevent the 25-year-old from hitting his shot.
There will be moments during this campaign in which Maxey or Edgecombe will not be available to start. That is the consequence of a long, gruelling NBA schedule. When this occurs, the Philadelphia 76ers must create a solution in the secondary unit to replace Quentin Grimes' impact. Without one, they are destined for a season of mediocrity.