New York Knicks: How first-round pick Quentin Grimes fits with NYK

The New York Knicks selected Quentin Grimes with the 25th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

This, however, wasn’t the Knicks’ first or even second first-round pick they owned entering the evening. New York had the 19th and 21st overall picks but opted to trade them after being unable to trade up.

Nevertheless, the Knicks secured a future backcourt member to pair with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Grimes’ insertion into the rotation will benefit the Knicks greatly.

The New York Knicks selected Quentin Grimes with the 25th overall pick. He bolsters New York’s backcourt, joining RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.

Grimes, now 21, was once a top high school recruit, ranked eighth in ESPN’s Top 100 in 2018 — the class which included Barrett at No. 1. But unlike his future teammate, Grimes didn’t begin his college career off well.

He joined the Kansas Jayhawks but struggled through 36 games scoring just 8.4 points per game on .384/.340/.603 shooting splits. But after the season, he opted to transfer to the University of Houston where he spent the past two seasons.

And surely, he managed to return to an elite-level talent. He became the top player in the American Athletic Conference and a great player in all of college basketball. He finished his junior year winning the AAC Player of the Year, averaging 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists on .406/.403/.788 shooting splits.

Furthermore, he led Houston to a 28-4 record, a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a Final Four berth.

It may have taken a few years for his potential to come alive, but it seems Grimes has found his footing and is ready to take the step into the NBA. He should play regular rotation minutes off the bench for the Knicks immediately, given the team’s need for guards.

Examining his aforementioned shooting splits, it’s easy to see Grimes’ ability to knock down 3-pointers at an efficient rate. It’s more impressive that he shoots 40.3 percent while launching 8.3 per game. It’s certainly something the Knicks can use as they shot just 30.0 3s per game last season, which was the fourth-lowest rate in the league. New York did, however, shoot the third-best percentage from deep at 39.2 percent.

But, of course, examining shooting splits doesn’t tell the whole story. Grimes had the ball in his hands often, garnering a 26.9 usage rate, and he often would take off-the-dribble jumpers. And it looked easy for Grimes to do. He’s fluid on these shots and able to rise over defenders with his 6-foot-5 stature.

While Grimes does well from behind the 3-point line, his overall efficiency needs to rise a bit more. Shooting just 40.6 percent from the floor won’t cut it, especially if he’s going to be a consistent option off the Knicks bench.

Grimes doesn’t rely on his jumpers, though. He’s shown the ability to attack the rim and his 205-pound frame helps him absorb contact amid lay-in and dunk attempts.

Such physicality has also translated to the defensive end, too. And this side of the court may be even more potent. He does a good job of staying in front of defenders but also does well disrupting passing lanes and contesting shots with his 6’8″ wingspan.

Grimes’ defensive capabilities translated into great success for Houston as the team ranked second in points allowed and sixth in defensive rating in the NCAA. He’ll fit in perfectly with the Knicks’ defensive identity. New York finished last season best in points allowed and the third-best defensive rating.

Grimes has the ability to step in and become a solid 3-and-D threat off the Knicks’ bench as they eye the playoffs for a second straight season. His shotmaking will be key to see if it continues, and if he can improve his playmaking, he may find himself earning more minutes alongside Barrett.