The Philadelphia 76ers targeted Quentin Grimes as one of the most vital players on the roster this season, and it’s true that he turned out to be what they expected him to be: a high-usage bench energizer who can create his own shot and also create for others when needed. He has been their most reliable three-point shooter and arguably the best sixth man in the league.
That said, there remains a huge cloud over whether he is a long-term piece for the team. Although he is quite young, his price tag could very well reach a point where the 76ers can no longer afford him. To make things even more interesting, the team may have just been given a new reason not to haunt him even longer when he hits free agency next year.
Despite Grimes’ stellar counting stats, he is not without flaws. In fact, one of his weaknesses has become so apparent that the front office may no longer consider him an indispensable part of the team moving forward: his playmaking ability.
Quentin Grimes’ playmaking issues could lead to his departure from the 76ers next year
Grimes is averaging 4.4 assists per outing, which looks solid for a natural wingman. However, he also coughs up the ball almost three times per game, reflecting his lack of sharpness as a table setter.
On numerous occasions, fans have noticed that Grimes has a tendency to freewheel across the floor. He has been given enough leg room to get his numbers off the bench, but his playing style has hampered the attack at times.
The 76ers are still trying to slot him in as a quasi-point guard, but it has been a mixed bag at best. Sure, passing the rock has never been his game, but the 76ers demand that from their backcourt players given the way they play, and the team might be better off investing its minutes in the likes of Jared McCain.
Granted, there is also some overlap at the guard positions when it comes to skills, and of the 76ers’ four core guards, Grimes is the easiest to jettison. That’s pretty clear, and even more so considering the team simply can’t afford to give him the big money he craves.
While not the most controlling, playmaking is the slim margin between Grimes staying in Philly and him leaving the team, especially since the 76ers aren’t exactly lacking in alternatives.
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