The 2021 NBA Draft’s 25th overall pick Quentin Grimes has shown nothing but grit and toughness throughout New York Knicks summer league play this offseason. Grimes has proven himself to be strong on both sides of the ball. If Tom Thibodeau didn’t approve, Grimes would most likely not be a Knick. There is no question about Grimes ability to seamlessly fit into what Tom Thibodeau is trying to accomplish defensively.

Quentin Grimes started summer league slowly as he was getting acclimated with his new teammates. However, eventually, many witnessed Grimes level of comfort increase on the basketball court on a game by game basis. Grimes arguably best summer league game came against the Atlanta Hawks who was led by Knicks Twitter’s favorite Sharife Cooper. Grimes poured in 26-points on 10-17 shooting from the field to go along with 6-rebounds.

Former Knick shooting guard Reggie Bullock didn’t hesitate to jump ship after receiving a 3-year $30,038,400 million dollar contract. Frank Ntilikina also signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks recently as well. The 30-year old Bullock was replaced by former Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic shooting guard Evan Fournier. Fournier haven’t been the most durable player in recent years, therefore, Quentin Grimes role could be a significant one if Alec Burks needs rest or is unavailable. Some would argue that Grimes is just as good as Bullock right now.

The 6’5” 205 lbs shooting guard who possesses a 6’7” wingspan is an excellent three point shooter and plays strong on-ball defense. The former Houston Cougar is also a strong offensive and defensive rebounder who welcomes physical play on both ends of the court. Grimes is a lockdown perimeter defender who uses his fantastic and natural anticipation skills to strongly contest or block his opponent’s jump-shot. Along with using his length extremely well on the defensive end, Grimes is incredibly active in terms of moving his feet proactively around the perimeter. A disruptive defender that forces a ton of turnovers is what Grimes projects to be if he continues to improve overall as a player.

Grimes was one of only three players in Division I to make over 100-three pointers last season for his collegiate team in Houston. He made those one hundred threes last season while shooting it at a .403 percentage rate. Grimes is effective shooting the ball in many different scenarios, whether it’s coming off screens, spot up three-pointers, or a self created pull up three-pointer during an isolation play.

The former Houston Cougar’s ability to crash the boards is an intangible Tom Thibodeau loves. Finishing off a defensive possession with a rebound is a simple winning play which could lead to transition opportunities on the offensive end for the Knicks.

Overall, the defensive-minded sharpshooter who played collegiate seasons in Kansas and Houston seems like another rock solid draft pick that’ll fit into New York’s culture. His compatibility has been noticeable on both ends of the court during his brief stint in summer league.

 

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