The Philadelphia 76ers registered a huge win over their arch rivals to begin their season on a high note, but unbeknowst to many, the franchise tallied another dub, this time without it being on the hardwood.
The absolute domination showed by rookie star VJ Edgecombe and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, as well as the major stinker Joel Embiid turned in for his first regular season game in a long while will rightfully get all the attention, but 76ers fans should also revel in the fact that one decision the team made continues to age as fine as wine.
As everyone knows, the 76ers made a bit of a gambit last season when they traded for Quentin Grimes before the trade deadline in exchange for Caleb Martin, but that decision quickly proved to be a real savvy one. Grimes ended up being a critical piece for the 76ers, and while his contract extension remains a precarious one, the front office still made the right choice moving the needle to secure his services.
But to quell some more doubts, if there remains any, a certain development in Dallas stands to finally put those to rest.
The Quentin Grimes trade is the gift that keeps on giving for the 76ers
Caleb Martin, who was projected by many to have a bounce-back campaign this season, seems to be headed for a greatly reduced role instead. During their first game which culminated in a notable loss at home to the San Antonio Spurs thanks to the superb exploits of Victor Wembanyama, the veteran wing was not in their regular rotation, only getting to sniff the court when the game was basically decided in garbage time.
This is most certainly a strange outcome for Martin, who is not far removed from being an entrenched starter for a perennial playoff team in Miami. However, he seems to have not yet regained his mojo. Last season, he han an incredibly slow start, and while he eventually caught his footing, once he got traded to Dallas, he sustained another injury that left him in the cold.
With Martin not expected to change the status quo anytime soon, the 76ers get further vindicated in trading for Quentin Grimes. Meanwhile, the 25-year-old guard continues to be a vital cog in Philly, although the outlook could change when his complicated free agency situation resumes next year.
But for now, the 76ers won that one, there is no doubt about it. Meanwhile, the Mavericks can only look in disbelief.