The moment the Philadelphia 76ers struck early this offseason, it became apparent that keeping Quentin Grimes was not going to be a part of their plan. Lo and behold, the 26-year-old guard ended up exiting the franchise, signing a four-year, $60 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers to reunite with Luka Doncic. Now, he might just be primed for a resurgence thanks to his new ball club having what his former team simply did not last season.
Grimes was a vital part of the 76ers this past campaign, but on an individual level, he turned in a subpar season. Despite seeing the floor for nearly 30 minutes a night, he averaged just 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per outing, shooting 45 percent from the field but only 33.4 percent from beyond the arc. His three-point shooting became especially erratic, but now that he is on a Lakers squad with superior spacing on paper, that could very well change.
Quentin Grimes could surge with Lakers after a down year with the 76ers
Last season's Philadelphia team featured a core of talented shot creators but with subpar spacing around them. Three-point shooting was far from the group's bread and butter, as they ended the regular season being in the bottom third of the league in all three-point shooting metrics, from attempts, makes, and conversion rate.
With opposing defenses recognizing that Grimes was one of the few real threats on the 76ers from rainbow country, he had a tougher time hoisting clean looks from deep. That obviously had a rough effect on his rhythm, as even his catch-and-shoot success rate declined.
The Lakers' status as a contender next season is highly dubious, but if there is one thing they should be good at, it is firing away from downtown. Unlike in years past, they now have more firepower from beyond the arc after adding Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jaden Hardy, and Cameron Carr.
That should have a bolstering effect on Grimes' shooting, given that defenses can no longer afford to just keep a close eye on him on the three-point line. In fact, it should also open up more space for him to be a better finisher and rim-runner.
The 76ers will not necessarily regret letting Quentin Grimes go, even if he breaks out on the Lakers. But if anything, his possible surge will serve as a lesson for the front office that even role players like him need an ideal situation to fully thrive and contribute as much as expected.
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