New York Knicks: 5 players who are trending up/down heading into 2022

New York Knicks trending UP: Quentin Grimes

There is always going to be some sort of conversation around Tom Thibodeau and trusting his young players…. but man, is it going to be hard for coach to ignore Quentin Grimes.

Grimes’ recent ascension has been with two big performances that have sandwiched an extended absence due to COVID health and safety protocols.

Grimes set a New York Knicks rookie record for 3-pointers (and scored 27 points) a few weeks ago before being placed in protocols. In his first action back, he made a major impact on the team on Christmas Day, knocking down five triples.

Grimes has a picturesque jump shot. It’s a lightning-fast release that’s shown to be a real weapon for the team any time he’s on the court.

He has looked ready for this moment. Anytime he checks into the game, he’s playing at a fast, focused pace. When he gets the ball he’s decisive, and that kind of assertiveness has been missing from the Knicks lineup.

The shooting is one thing, but the perimeter defense is what might get him on the court even more consistently.

Perimeter defense has been nonexistent for this team and if Quentin Grimes can continue bringing intensity on the defensive side of the ball it’s going to be really hard for Thibs to take him off the court. Look for Grimes to continue to grow into a key part of the team’s rotation.