The Philadelphia 76ers struck gold last season when they traded away Caleb Martin in exchange for Quentin Grimes. A deal nobody originally thought would catapult Grimes’ career will more than likely go down as one of the most lopsided in recent memory.
Since escaping the horror show previously run by Nico Harrison, Grimes put on a showcase for the 76ers in the 28 games he played, averaging 21.9 points on career-high shooting from the field. Entering this past summer’s free agency without the long-term deal he hoped for, Grimes accepted a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer to return to the floor in a 76ers uniform.
Since his arrival this season, Grimes has flourished across the 15 games he’s appeared in off the bench. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps noted in his one-month review of the season that Grimes has emerged as one of the NBA’s leading candidates for Sixth Man of the Year. Through the first month, Grimes is averaging 16.9 points and 4.1 assists on a career-high 40.2% shooting from three.
Grimes’ impact hasn’t just filled the void left by Joel Embiid and Paul George — both of whom have found themselves watching in street clothes far too often — but has transformed him into the team’s legitimate top scoring option. He’s recorded five 20-plus-point games, consistently delivered in clutch moments, and provided Tyrese Maxey with another reliable scorer.
Having built his career coming off the bench, Grimes is taking his game one step further, elevating the team while betting on himself. After not receiving the contract he desired, Grimes essentially said, “Watch me prove just how good I am.” So far, he’s paying off that bet.
As for what’s next, Nick Nurse should continue bringing him off the bench when needed — a decision that, hopefully, leads to a better record than 9–6. Philadelphia is good, has the potential to be great, but Quentin Grimes has been exceptional.
