Time for a Change? Jared McCain’s Emergence Puts Quentin Grimes’ Role in Question for the Sixers
The Philadelphia 76ers came into the season with hopes that Jared McCain could be a meaningful contributor off the bench, but early returns didn’t exactly inspire confidence. After missing nearly a full year due to multiple injuries, the sophomore guard looked understandably rusty-and at times, completely out of rhythm. He slipped down Nick Nurse’s rotation and spent much of the season buried on the bench, struggling to find his footing.
But lately? The tide might be turning.
Over the last two games, McCain has started to flash the scoring punch that made him such an intriguing prospect. He’s averaged 16.5 points during that stretch, shooting a blistering 57% from the field and a scorching 60% from beyond the arc. That’s not just solid production-it’s the kind of efficient scoring that demands a second look from the coaching staff.
It’s a small sample size, sure. But it’s also the most confident and assertive McCain has looked in a Sixers uniform. And with Philadelphia still trying to sort out its bench rotation behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, McCain’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time.
Which brings us to Quentin Grimes.
Grimes began the year with real momentum, even generating early buzz as a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate. But since December, his game has taken a sharp downturn.
His minutes haven’t necessarily dropped-he’s still logging close to 30 a night-but the production just hasn’t followed. The scoring is down, the efficiency is down, and the spark he brought earlier in the season has all but fizzled.
At this point, it’s fair to ask: what’s the upside of continuing to give Grimes that kind of run, especially when McCain is showing signs of life?
The truth is, Grimes and McCain bring similar skill sets to the floor. Both are combo guards who work best off the ball, thrive as secondary scorers, and can stretch the floor when their shots are falling.
But McCain is younger, still developing, and-importantly-under team control on a rookie deal. If the Sixers are thinking long-term, it makes sense to lean into the player with the higher ceiling and more manageable contract.
Right now, the Sixers are heavily reliant on Maxey and Edgecombe to carry the offensive load. That leaves room for a complementary guard who can knock down open looks, play within the offense, and bring energy off the bench. McCain, when given real minutes-not just garbage time-has shown he can do exactly that.
Grimes, on the other hand, might still have value on the trade market. Despite his recent struggles, he’s a known commodity around the league-a capable scorer with defensive upside and playoff experience. If Philadelphia is looking to retool around its core and maximize its expiring contracts, moving Grimes could bring back useful assets or future flexibility.
This isn’t about giving up on Grimes. It’s about recognizing the moment and making a smart pivot.
McCain is trending up. Grimes is fading.
And the Sixers, stuck in a competitive Eastern Conference race, can’t afford to wait around and hope things magically turn around.
If McCain continues to produce when given the opportunity, it’s time to reward that growth with consistent playing time. And if the Sixers want to capitalize on Grimes’ remaining trade value before the deadline, the window is open.
Sometimes, the best move is the one that’s been staring you in the face all along.