Jalen Brunson free agency signing necessitates Knicks starting Quentin Grimes
By Allen Settle
The New York Knicks kicked off the free agency period in an unfamiliar position, with their top target secured! Former Mavericks breakout guard Jalen Brunson will officially end what has been a revolving door of mediocre point guards in the Knicks’ starting lineup.
Brunson will undoubtedly make a massive on-court impact, particularly on offense, as he brings his unique combinations of around-the-rim finishing and outside shooting to Madison Square Garden.
However, for all of the praise and excitement surrounding the Brunson signing, there has been one notable aspect to the addition that has not yet been addressed. How does it affect the rest of New York’s depth chart?
Last season, the Knicks used some combination of Kemba Walker and Alec Burks (both of whom are not with the franchise) at PG, Evan Fournier at SG, RJ Barrett at SF, Julius Randle at PF, and Mitchell Robinson at C.
While Brunson will immediately fill the need at point, his presence on the roster should have a direct effect on his primary backcourt mate. While Fournier performed admirably, starting 80 games while breaking the franchise record for most threes in a single season, his days in the starting lineup could (and should be numbered).
The Knicks must replace Evan Fournier with Quentin Grimes in the starting lineup
The Issue
Unfortunately for the Knicks, their best offensive backcourt, Brunson and Fournier, is also their most liable on defense. Despite his sharpshooting abilities, Fournier’s defensive rating last season was the worst on his team.
While Brunson brings more strength and lateral quickness to the table, his 6’1″, 190-pound frame makes him a liability when matched up against anything other than the opposing PG. Concerns about his ability to gel with a Tom Thibodeau-coached defense reportedly led New York to consider opting in favor of pursuing lockdown guard Dejounte Murray.
It would go against the identity of the team to start both guards regularly. Should the franchise hope to recapture the defensive identity that thrust New York into a surprise postseason run in 2021, they must find another option.
The In-House Solution
There is a legitimate chance that the Knicks elect to solve this conundrum via either free agency or on the trade market. In fact, Fournier has recently been the target of much trade speculation and rumors.
However, should pursuing an outside option prove not to be in New York’s best interest, there’s a natural pivot already waiting on the roster: second-year guard Quentin Grimes.
Grimes, who was touted as a solid 3-and-D player out of college, quickly proved his capability to bring that skillset to the NBA level. Despite being a late first-round draft pick, Grimes quickly earned the trust of Thibodeau and Knicks fans due to his energy and defensive abilities.
In fact, Thibs publically praised Grimes, calling him a “terrific wing defender” after a Christmas Day victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Thankfully, Grimes also brings an ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting. Though he averaged only six points per game during his rookie season, Grimes shot a stellar 38% from three on 4.1 attempts per contest.
The most sensible move would be to move Grimes into the starting lineup, where his defense can aid Brunson and the team without sacrificing floor spacing and shooting. This would also allow Fournier to become a source of instant offense in a major role off the bench.
I not only believe this is the franchise’s best move as things currently stand. I, like many who follow the Knicks, also believe that Grimes has the potential to further develop and shine if given the proper opportunity. What better way to help the team win than placing the second-year pro in the starting unit?
