Grading every New York Knicks first-round draft pick since 2013
2021 NBA Draft: SG Quentin Grimes: A
Similar to Quickley, Quentin Grimes has had a great career thus far for a player who was selected 25th overall. Not only has he been consistent for a player who’s spent just two seasons in the league, but his two-way skill set was valuable for the Knicks’ playoff push this past season.
Just like Quickley, Grimes was also not an original pick, being yet another draft-day finesse by Leon Rose. This time around, the Knicks sent the rights to Keon Johnson, who they selected 21st overall, for Grimes and a future second-round pick. Johnson has averaged a rather inefficient 5.9 points per game in two seasons, so let’s give Rose a round of applause.
In two seasons, Grimes has averaged 9.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 45.0% from the field and 38.4% from three on 5.1 attempts. While the lack of consistent playing time during his rookie season is holding these numbers back a bit, Grimes showed in 2022-23 that he’s a great complimentary piece for the Knicks.
Considering how bad of a three-point shooting team the Knicks have been in recent seasons, having a player like Grimes on the floor is huge for their offense. Not only is he the team’s only consistent wing shooter, but his all-around offensive game has grown a ton in just two seasons and will only get better.
Grimes has shown so much promise in just two seasons and has fans excited for what the future holds. At just 23 years old, Grimes is only going to get better and expand upon his game on both sides of the ball.
