Quentin Grimes’ Role in Flux as Sixers Look to Unlock His Full Potential
PHILADELPHIA - Quentin Grimes’ return to the 76ers this season came after a drawn-out summer standoff, one that ended with the 24-year-old signing his qualifying offer to stay in Philly on a one-year, $8.7 million deal. After being acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, Grimes made an immediate impact, averaging 21.9 points and 5.2 rebounds over 28 games. That stretch gave the Sixers a glimpse of what he could be-a dynamic two-way wing with a scorer’s mentality and the tools to thrive in their system.
Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and things have shifted. Grimes has settled into a bench role, but it’s not your typical reserve gig.
He’s logging 31.2 minutes a night across 40 games-starter-level minutes-and still contributing at a solid clip with 13.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. His shooting splits-43.3% from the field and 35.5% from deep-are respectable, but there’s been a noticeable dip in recent weeks.
December was rough from beyond the arc, with Grimes connecting on just 31.7% of his threes. Over his last 21 games, that number has only ticked up slightly to 33.9%.
His scoring has been inconsistent too, down to 10.8 points per game during that stretch. It’s clear he’s searching for rhythm, and head coach Nick Nurse is paying close attention.
“I think that we really thought he was a much better player off the bench, that he liked to see the game a little bit and come in and play,” Nurse said before Tuesday’s matchup against the Suns. “I think that we’re having some discussions lately of maybe that’s not the case and maybe we start sticking him back in the starting lineup a little bit to see if that helps him as well.”
It’s a telling quote from Nurse, who’s never been shy about tweaking lineups to find the right chemistry. The idea of moving Grimes back into the starting five isn’t just about shaking things up-it’s about unlocking a player who has the physical tools and scoring instincts to be a difference-maker.
Grimes thrives when he’s aggressive. He’s at his best when he’s putting the ball on the deck, attacking the rim, and using that downhill momentum to create space for his jumper. When he gets into a rhythm like that, the three-point shot starts to fall more naturally-especially off the dribble, which is a key part of his offensive arsenal.
Nurse wants to see more of that version of Grimes.
“Just, again, I think you hear me say this about a lot of guys, I really need him to attack the rim more,” Nurse said. “He’s good at it.
Hitting the open floor and just a little bit more decisive when he’s coming up the floor to make a play in the paint, and also to pull the 3-balls. To make sure he has the confidence to continue to take those.
That the light is green and getting greener. Not the other way around and just play with great confidence."
Confidence is the key word here. When Grimes is playing freely and decisively, he brings a different energy to the floor. That’s the version of him the Sixers need-whether he’s leading the second unit or sliding back into a starting role.
Philadelphia’s rotation remains fluid, and as the season grinds on, Grimes’ role could evolve again. What’s clear is that the Sixers view him as a crucial piece, not just a spot-up shooter or a bench spark, but someone who can tilt a game with his scoring and physicality.
Whether that means a return to the starting five or a renewed push off the bench, Grimes has the green light. Now it’s about finding the rhythm-and keeping it.