Quentin Grimes has performed admirably in his second season in his new position ever since he was promoted to the starting lineup in November. His performance only increases in importance to the New York Knicks’ future success in light of the team’s recent upswing.
(CONSISTENT QUENTIN GRIMES IS ESSENTIAL)
To put it mildly, Grimes’s season has been anything but smooth. He has repeatedly demonstrated to those who despise him that they are wrong throughout the entire season, going from being mentioned in a trade for Donovan Mitchell to becoming a starter and participating in the Rising Stars game. However, following the All-Star break, Grimes has faced a brand-new obstacle: vying for playing time with Josh Hart, a new trade acquisition. Grimes, who played nearly 30 minutes per night this season, has seen that number drop to 24.3 since Hart was traded. As a result, his stats have decreased, with him averaging 8.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists despite playing behind other Knick guards who are leaping.
Notwithstanding different players in the group making progress as of late, Grimes’ job stays as significant as could be expected. He has put in a lot of effort and is determined, as evidenced by his ability to shoot threes quickly and play solid defense against some of the league’s best offensive players. In addition, Grimes has one of the NBA’s fastest first steps, putting him in a great position to help his team win when he gets the chance. The former Houston guard’s nice transitional move from Tuesday’s Knicks game against Charlotte can be seen here.
Grimes has demonstrated that he is much more than just a three-and-D player at the beginning of the season. He possesses unwavering amounts of potential that have not yet been realized due to his lightning-quick release and first step. However, his production has not materialized due to the coaching staff’s mishandling of him and his lack of experience as a starting 2-guard. In light of these factors, Grimes and the coaching staff can maximize his potential even in limited game action by employing the following two strategies.
STAGGERING HIS MINUTES WITH THE STARTING LINEUP
The fact that Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle are dictating the offense, and they have every right to do so, is a major reason why Grimes does not see significant production in his minutes on the floor. However, Grimes should not suffer as a result of their success. One option that comes to mind is to move Josh Hart to the bench instead of him.
Grimes should not consider it a promotion; rather, it gives him more chances to succeed. Consider Immanuel Quickley’s performance against rival second units. Putting Grimes in the same situation will only give him more opportunities to play, which could improve his play and efficiency as a whole. The Knicks have an offensive rating of 117.9 and a defensive rating of 108.3 when he and Quickley are on the court, indicating that they are a potent duo against opposing second units.
Given the team’s recent success, Tom Thibodeau is unlikely to make the switch, despite the bench giving Grimes more opportunities and Hart being a better fit in the starting lineup. To maximize the team’s efficiency on defense and from behind the arc, Thibodeau ought to try to stagger more of his minutes, regardless of any rotation changes. This would move Hart to get more minutes with the beginning group, which would assist amplify effectiveness with Grimes now ready to work unreservedly and search for his shot more.
Quentin Grimes is more than just a player of the 3-and-D caliber. He can make a good read and get the Knicks a bucket by blowing by his defender in a matter of seconds. However, due to Grimes’ reserved nature in the Knicks’ offense, this rarely occurs. Grimes appears to be an afterthought at times, ranking fourth or even fifth in the starting lineup. Even though he is a starter, it seems crazy that he is still the Knicks’ secret weapon. Grimes needs to get involved in the offense more. If he doesn’t, it’s illegal.
He has one of the league’s fastest first steps and can easily attack a closeout, keeping the defense guessing and scrambling at all times.
Running plays to get him open An offense that focuses on Randle, Barrett, and Brunson getting a lot of shots makes Grimes the odd man out when it comes to his overall rhythm when it comes to making shots. That could be mitigated by increasing his involvement in the offense, particularly through staggered screens that free him up for open looks around the arc.
If I were in charge of the Knicks’ coaching staff, I would investigate the factors that contribute to the success of the Golden State Warriors’ offense—namely, opening up their shooters. The defense will be forced to choose between playing a tough game and giving the former Cougar a wide-open shot if New York is able to incorporate some plays that will directly aim to get Grimes space behind the three-point arc. The Knicks will benefit greatly from the fact that the opposition will have to make a sacrifice, whether it be switching players or leaving someone open, even if they anticipate Grimes opening up.
Grimes shot a phenomenal 42.5% from downtown during the Knicks’ nine-game winning streak, demonstrating his ability to make even small three-pointers. Because he is the only Knick who consistently shoots in volume, his shot-making is extremely important to this team’s success. This team will gain even more if he gets more involved in the offense. Going back to my earlier point about spreading out his minutes, if that means running plays with the second unit that involve spread screens, then so be it. Everyone involved will benefit from anything that increases Quentin’s contact (with the exception of the opposing defense, of course).
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