It was only a year and a half ago when New York Knicks fans thought Quentin Grimes was 'untouchable' in trade talks for Donovan Mitchell. When the 2022-23 season started, fans called for Grimes to replace Evan Fournier in the starting lineup, which eventually happened.
Grimes was tabbed as a breakout candidate for 2023-24, but he's regressed. He's averaging 6.2 points per game, shooting 36.3% from the field and 34.9% from three. Last season, he averaged 11.3 points per game, shooting 46.8% from the field and 38.6% from deep. As you can see, his numbers have dropped significantly.
In the past seven games, he's scored a combined 16 points for an average of 2.3 points per contest.
Quentin Grimes’ Last 7 Games:
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) December 6, 2023
0 PTS | 1 REB | 2 AST | 0/6 FG | -18 | 25 MIN
3 PTS | 0 REB | 2 AST | 1/4 FG | -20 | 21 MIN
3 PTS | 3 REB | 2 AST | 1/5 FG | -8 | 20 MIN
6 PTS | 1 REB | 1 AST | 2/4 FG | +2 | 19 MIN
0 PTS | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0/5 FG | -2 | 16 MIN
4 PTS | 1 REB | 0 AST… pic.twitter.com/983u7f5Ozx
After New York's 146-122 loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday, Grimes aired out his frustrations about his role.
Quentin Grimes says he feels like if he misses a shot he’s getting pulled from the game: “Every shot I shoot feels like it probably weighs 100 pounds.”
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) December 6, 2023
Quentin Grimes airs out frustrations about Knicks shooting slump
It's hard to disagree with what Quentin Grimes said. He isn't involved in the offense, although when he has open looks, he passes them up. Maybe that's because he's worried about being pulled from the game if he misses. His confidence is at an all-time low.
Quentin Grimes was openly frustrated with his role just now. Said it’s tough to find a rhythm when he rarely touches the ball, stands in the corner and gets subbed out after missing one shot.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) December 6, 2023
Fans have been at the point where they want to see Grimes replaced with Donte DiVincenzo or Immanuel Quickley in the lineup. The thought is that maybe with the second unit, he'll get into a groove offensively.
Maybe moving back to a bench role will benefit the Knicks and Grimes for the time being. His primary role as a starter is to guard the opposing team's best player, and he'd no longer be able to do that.
Oddly enough, Grimes seems to be getting the Obi Toppin treatment. It's tough enough to be in a slump, but the only way to get out of one is to keep shooting the ball. Grimes hasn't been doing that.
Tom Thibodeau is stubborn, but he's shown that he's inclined to make changes when needed. Maybe he'll do more to help Grimes get more involved offensively or be more willing to let him play freely without worrying about getting benched. Something's got to change, though.