Amidst the Philadelphia 76ers’ four-game losing streak, there are plenty of things for players, coaches, and fans alike to be frustrated about. However, in Philadelphia’s 106-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 11th, its trade deadline acquisitions gave fans a glimmer of hope for the future.
Guards Jared Butler and Quentin Grimes made quite the impression in their debuts at Wells Fargo Center. Butler was the 76ers’ second-leading scorer with 15 points on 6-10 shooting from the field, four rebounds, and four assists. Grimes logged 13 points on 5-7 shooting from the field, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
New face Jared Butler impresses for the 76ers
With guards Kyle Lowry (hip) and Eric Gordon (wrist) sidelined, Butler had the opportunity to show what he’s fully capable of and he didn’t disappoint. He impressed as a playmaker – showing the ability to dictate the pace in transition and collapse the defense to create perimeter shots for others.
Butler had a series of impressive drives where he utilized crafty dribble penetration and evasiveness to smoke his initial defender off the dribble. The 76ers acquired Butler to be their backup point guard of the future, but if he continues this level of play, he should promptly take Lowry’s spot in the rotation.
Good to see Jared Butler getting minutes and contributing for the Sixers. 15 points (6/10 FG, 1/3 3P), 4 REB, 4 AST in 16 MINS tonight.
— Wilko (@wilkomcv) February 12, 2025
Had some winning plays. I've been a fan going back to Baylor but he's never gotten much run in the NBA. Not too sure why - hope that changes pic.twitter.com/1JTw5XNK64
Grimes continues to flourish as the nominal sixth man for the 76ers
While Grimes shot 1-6 from beyond the arc, he continued to showcase his effectiveness as a two-way wing. Whether it was on or off the ball, he got to the rim and impressively finished through contact. His athleticism also shined in transition where he converted on a pair of dunks, all while emerging as Philadelphia’s top point-of-attack defender.
Philadelphia originally started forward Justin Edwards but slotted in Grimes to start the second half. In his first three games with the 76ers, he finished with 10 or more points – further proving why he should remain in the starting lineup.
new guys giving us a spark. 💥@J_Hooper11 @qdotgrimes pic.twitter.com/eW3bCMkJZa
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 12, 2025
What now?
With Philadelphia sitting in 11th place of the Eastern Conference 13 games below .500, it may be time for head coach Nick Nurse to fully embrace a youth movement that involves increased minutes for guards Butler, Grimes, Ricky Council IV, Edwards, and center Adem Bona.
A real argument could be made that the 76ers should use the remainder of this season to give their young prospects more reps so that they’re ready to contribute next season – when they should be fully healthy.
The 76ers still have a great chance of grabbing hold of the 10th seed, which would place them in the Play-In Tournament. However, with Embiid reportedly in need of another operation on his knee, you have to wonder when this season should be deemed as a lost cause.