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NY Knicks: Quentin Grimes should be a lock to start next season

By James Nolan

Jan 31, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (6) shoots the ball as Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) and forward Harrison Barnes (40) defend during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (6) shoots the ball as Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) and forward Harrison Barnes (40) defend during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks rookie shooting guard, Quentin Grimes, has surprised many basketball fans with his over-achieving play this season. The former Houston Cougar has shown the world his smooth jump shot and his stellar defensive skills.

Grimes has even gained the trust to receive meaningful minutes in Tom Thibodeau’s strict rotation, which usually doesn’t feature young players. If the 21-year-old continues to play the way he’s played so far and stays healthy, then he’ll be on his way to becoming the team’s starting shooting guard.

Quentin Grimes is one of the New York Knicks’ best shooters

The young guard has an incredible jump shot and is one of the team’s top shooters. Every time Grimes releases the ball, fans immediately rise to their feet.

In his last season of college ball for Houston, Grimes was putting up ridiculous offensive numbers. Over a total of 30 games in that season he finished with these statistics:

  • 17.8 points per game
  • 3.3 3-pointers per game
  • 40% 3-point percentage

The first-round pick has shown he is capable of putting up similar numbers in the NBA. This season, Grimes is currently shooting 38.9% from behind the arc in 45 games. The rookie’s also averaging 3.3 3-pointer’s per 36 minutes with New York.

Coming off the bench limits what the guard can bring to the Knicks’ offense. With Evan Fournier being the starting shooting guard, it’s been hard for Grimes to find time on the floor.

Next season, it’d be foolish for New York to not find a way to get the rookie more minutes based on his potential offensive production.

Quentin Grimes has been a great defender for the Knicks

One of the main reasons the Knicks decided to select the Texas native in the first round of last year’s draft was because of his stellar defensive skills. To no surprise, Grimes has already established himself as a great defender for New York.

The rookie guard has been one of the Knicks’ better defenders this season, which is certainly one of the reasons why he’s been in defensive-minded Thibodeau’s rotation. So far, Grimes has notched 1.5 steals per 36 minutes.

His ability to guard some of basketball’s best perimeter players at such a young age is eye-opening. New York’s a team that’s built around defense and Grimes certainly fits the bill.

Quentin Grimes is a valuable piece for the New York Knicks

Grimes hasn’t disappointed in his limited time on the court this season. The first-year guard is quickly becoming a fan favorite in New York, with his promising 3-point ability and his great defensive skillset.

If he’s given more of an opportunity next year, Grimes will continue to be a valuable piece for the Knicks.

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