Quentin Grimes began his career as a textbook 3&D wing, having played that role with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Dallas Mavericks. It wasn’t until he arrived to the Philadelphia 76ers in February that he showcased his full capabilities. However, Grimes’ breakout was a product of Philadelphia’s tank. This means he’ll likely revert to a smaller role in the upcoming season – assuming the 76ers obtain a clean bill of health.
Grimes will have to scale down
Grimes posted career-highs across the board in his 76ers tenure last year. He notched 21.9 points per game on 46.9% shooting from the field, 5.2 rebounds per game, 4.5 assists per game, and 1.5 steals per game in 28 games for Philadelphia. He held more responsibility as a ball-handler – between running pick-and-rolls and creating offense from all three levels.
Still, Grimes was the 76ers’ go-to option in nonconsequential games as Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George were shut down for the last few months of the season. While Embiid and George’s status for training camp in September is yet to be revealed, you have to figure that Philadelphia will get healthy at one point during the 2025-26 season.
Grimes will inevitably scale down to a catch-and-shoot role, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Since Embiid, Maxey, and George draw a great deal of gravity, Grimes will have clean perimeter looks routinely generated for him. Regardless, he can build on his success from the 2024-25 campaign by being active off the ball.
Grimes can still be impactful
Grimes’ most translatable skill from last season is his ability to attack close-outs, which will be essential in an off-ball role. Being able to beat your man off the dribble to put the defense in rotation keeps Philadelphia’s offense flowing and Grimes involved as a creator.
Many have disregarded Grimes’ late-season emergence because of the circumstances. While he won’t have the ball in his hands as much, his talents are a seamless fit. Not to mention, there will be games where Embiid or George are load-managed, and the 76ers will need players who can pick up the slack. Grimes has proven he can scale up; it’s now about finding that balance.
But, for that to happen, Grimes must re-sign with the 76ers. Both parties remain in a stalemate as Grimes’ camp continues to probe the league for any contract offers. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has no incentive to present him with a lucrative deal since he’s a restricted free agent.