Without their superstar duo, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, on the floor, the Philadelphia 76ers have not resembled a team that is prepared for the intensity of a playoff campaign. The Sixers' secondary unit has severely underwhelmed and has been a major contributor to the franchise's recent dip in form. However, Quentin Grimes and Adem Bona showed glimpses of being a partnership that can make a positive contribution in minutes where the five on the court is reduced in strength.
No team survives extended stretches when stars like Embiid and Maxey are absent without feeling the drop-off. Embiid's sensational scoring antics and Maxey's improved ability to facilitate play create a partnership that enhances Philadelphia's championship credentials -- especially when the Eastern Conference lacks a dominant force.
While this is a phenomenal luxury for head coach Nick Nurse to have, the moment the dynamic duo heads to the bench, the reduction in quality becomes undeniable. Fortunately, the 76ers may have finally discovered a solution that few could have expected.
Grimes and Bona link-up inspires hope
In recent weeks, Quentin Grimes has been desperately attempting to rediscover his scoring touch. Without the former New York Knicks guard chalking up points from the bench, Philadelphia has become a frail team that few opponents fear. However, Grimes has shown an offensive resurgence of late, but what has impressed most of all is the versatility he displayed during the 76ers' 135-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Quentin Grimes is at the peak of his powers when he oozes confidence and does not overthink his shotmaking. This side of his game was on display against the Timberwolves as he recorded 19 points while shooting 62.5% from three-point range. Yet, it was Grimes' seven assists and connection with Bona that will bolster the 76ers' playoff hopes. The second-year center's effective screens and energy off-the-ball created Grimes vital space to wreak havoc on the opposition.
On two occasions against Minnesota, Bona’s off-ball instincts synced perfectly with Grimes’ offensive vision. As Grimes looked to dictate proceedings and aggressively make his way to the basket, he drew the attention of the surrounding defenders, allowing Bona to cut to the basket for a vicious dunk. Without Maxey running the offense, these are the plays that Philadelphia has been lacking to plug the scoring.
Questions have been raised over Bona's role on the roster this campaign. If Joel Embiid is healthy and on the floor, the sophomore center's minutes will be limited. Even when the 2023 MVP is unavailable for selection, Bona has had to settle for a reserve spot behind the veteran Andre Drummond. His older counterpart does bring a vital rebounding presence, yet Bona has shown his chemistry with Grimes deserves the opportunity to blossom in the coming games.
Undeniably, this remains a small sample size, especially against a Minnesota Timberwolves squad missing the impact of four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Nevertheless, the partnership of Quentin Grimes and Adem Bona has inspired hope for a secondary unit that has been lifeless for a long time. The Philadelphia 76ers need viable options for the minutes in which Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are not on the floor -- they may have stumbled across the perfect solution.