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Ranking 4 perfect backcourt options to pair with Jalen Brunson long-term

By Zachary Bachar

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Quentin Grimes
Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center on February 07, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

2: Quentin Grimes

When viewing both Grimes and LaVine from an individual comparison standpoint, LaVine is obviously the better player. When taking into account the titular long-term partnership with Jalen Brunson, Grimes has a slight edge.

The former first-round pick was inserted into the opening lineup full-time on November 20th, 2022, and never looked back. He averaged 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game as a starter on 47-39-80 splits while picking up the toughest perimeter matchup on defense every night.

Grimes operated in a primarily catch-and-shoot role, allowing Brunson to spend more time with the ball in his hands and run New York’s offense. He wasn’t tasked with too much playmaking responsibility, but he showed flashes of elite passing vision.

9.9% of his passes resulted in assists last season, the third-highest mark on the team behind Brunson and Josh Hart.

He just turned 23 a couple of months ago, and he’ll be entering this upcoming season as a surefire starter for the first time in his career. After improving his averages across the board from his rookie to sophomore years, it’s almost a certainty that fans haven’t come close to seeing the best version of Grimes.

His long-term fit next to Brunson is perhaps better than any other player on the ranking, as it wouldn’t be overly difficult to imagine the two coexisting in New York’s backcourt for the better part of the next decade.

A “3&D” guard who can operate as a tertiary playmaker while also not needing the ball in his hands is the exact archetype that complements the Knicks’ star point guard, and Grimes fits the bill.

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