The Philadelphia Sixers didn't want to pay Quentin Grimes $30 million annually last offseason when he was a restricted free agent. They didn't want to give him something in the $20-$25 million range, either, so he signed his $8.7 million qualifying offer with the hope of getting the payday he wanted over the summer. The postseason is a great opportunity to prove that, but in Game 1, he hurt his chances.
Grimes had more rebounds (two) than he had shot attempts in the first half. He was scoreless as the Sixers were down by 18. By that point, the game had already felt over, as Philadelphia couldn't get absolutely anything going. Grimes going off wouldn't have changed that or the eventual 123-91 outcome, but he could've still raised his value.
He finished with seven points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field (1-of-2 from three), all of which came in the second half. He added four rebounds, two assists, and two turnovers in 25 minutes.
Quentin Grimes' keeps hurting his free agency outlook
The 25-year-old also didn't do himself any favors in Philadelphia's play-in win over Orlando, as he had just four points on 1-of-3 shooting in 22 minutes.
Grimes was an inconsistent scorer throughout the season, but he could've already put that in the rearview mirror with a couple of solid postseason outings. Instead, his concerning trend has continued, with the Sixers not feeling his impact much at all when it matters most. There is still time for him to change that, but it might only be three more games.
One of Philadelphia's top offseason priorities was finding a way to re-sign Grimes, thinking he'd demand more money. While the Sixers could still want to bring him back, they won't have to worry about breaking the bank to do so. It's looking like there won't be as much competition for his services.
Sixers need Quentin Grimes to be more aggressive
He needs it, too. Grimes can't make it through the first half of any game, much less in the playoffs, without taking a shot. He has to be more assertive, and Nick Nurse needs to help make sure that happens by getting him more involved.
Grimes was never going to sustain the run he went on after the Sixers traded for him last year, averaging 21.9 points on 16.4 shot attempts per game. He had a role that was bigger than any he had ever had, as the circumstances were completely different due to the injuries and timing.
It would've been a long shot for him to prove he was worth $30 million annually in a bench role this year, but he could've still set himself up for a nice payday. He's failed to do that, and Sunday's performance was another example.
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