Sorry McCainiacs but Grimes-Maxey is the starting backcourt of the Sixers’ future
As scintillating as the rookie was, Quentin Grimes gives the team a more well-rounded punch at the guard spot.
As we approach the end of a cataclysmic Philadelphia 76ers season, the only hope lies in the future. Beyond what happens with the now protagonistic lottery balls, a big part of that future will be the backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and Quentin Grimes.
In just 11 games with the team, and 10 with Maxey, Grimes has shone. He’s blown past all expectations on offense, and has lived up to his defensive reputation. Therefore, if the Sixers re-sign him this offseason, Grimes should undoubtedly start next to Tyrese Maxey next season.
First things first, the numbers are putrid. Maxey and him have accrued a -17.19 Net Rating in their 213 minutes together. Per Cleaning The Glass, the duo has allowed 130.8 points per 100 possessions when they’ve played together. That’s in the 0th percentile. It literally cannot get worse than that.
But it’s not their fault. The numbers lie. The team is courting a mangled roster and seems to be intentionally losing games to maintain their top-six protected lottery pick. In their time on the court, it’s become obvious how complementary their games are. Their strengths hide the others weaknesses. They don’t get in each other’s way.
Both are great shooters. This means actions with the two of them, like actions with McCain and Maxey, create oodles of space for them or their teammates. In the below clip, neither Grimes nor Maxey’s defender wants to leave them, so they stay high as Grimes cuts up and Drummond rolls down. Maxey’s shooting threat forces Drummond’s defender to briefly step up. This allows Drummond to get a deep paint seal for an easy bucket.
