Without their superstar duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey on the floor, the Philadelphia 76ers don’t look like a team prepared for the intensity of a playoff campaign. The Sixers’ secondary has been seriously underwhelmed and has been a major contributor to the franchise’s recent dip in form. However, Quentin Grimes and Adem Bona showed glimpses of a partnership that could make a positive contribution in minutes when the five on the pitch are in decline.
No team survives long stretches of absence from stars like Embiid and Maxey without feeling the drop-off. Embiid’s sensational antics and Maxey’s improved ability to facilitate the play create a partnership that enhances Philadelphia’s championship credentials, especially when the Eastern Conference lacks a dominant force.
While this is a phenomenal luxury for head coach Nick Nurse, the drop in quality becomes undeniable once the dynamic duo heads to the bench. Fortunately, the 76ers may have finally discovered a solution few expected.
The collaboration between Grimes and Bona gives hope
In recent weeks, Quentin Grimes has desperately tried to rediscover his scoring touch. Without the former New York Knicks guard able to score points off the bench, Philadelphia has become a weak team that few opponents fear. Grimes has shown an offensive resurgence of late, but what has been particularly impressive is the versatility he showed during the 76ers’ 135-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Quentin Grimes is at the height of his powers when he exudes confidence and doesn’t think too much about his shots. This side of his game was on display against the Timberwolves when he scored 19 points while shooting 62.5% from three-point range. Still, it was Grimes’ seven assists and the connection with Bona that would boost the 76ers’ playoff hopes. The second-year center’s effective screens and off-ball energy created vital space for Grimes to wreak havoc on the opposition.
On two occasions against Minnesota, Bona’s off-ball instincts meshed perfectly with Grimes’ offensive vision. As Grimes looked to dictate proceedings and aggressively move toward the basket, he drew the attention of the surrounding defenders, allowing Bona to get to the basket for a vicious dunk. Without Maxey running the offense, these are the plays Philadelphia missed to close the score.
Questions have been raised about Bona’s role in the selection this campaign. If Joel Embiid is healthy and on the floor, the second-year center’s minutes will be limited. Even if the 2023 MVP isn’t available for selection, Bona has had to settle for a backup spot behind veteran Andre Drummond. His older counterpart provides a vital, regenerative presence, but Bona has shown that his chemistry with Grimes deserves a chance to blossom in the games ahead.
This remains an undeniably small sample size, especially when it comes to a Minnesota Timberwolves squad that lacks the impact of four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Nevertheless, the partnership between Quentin Grimes and Adem Bona has raised hopes for a secondary unit that has been lifeless for a long time. The Philadelphia 76ers need viable options for the minutes when Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey aren’t on the floor — they may have stumbled upon the perfect solution.
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