Quentin Grimes
Quentin Grimes (born May 8, 2000) is an American professional basketball player who serves as a shooting guard for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and weighing 210 pounds, Grimes is known for his elite three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and scoring efficiency, having emerged as a key rotational player across multiple NBA teams since entering the league in 2021.[3][1] Grimes honed his skills at The Woodlands College Park High School in Texas, where he started all 146 games over four seasons, accumulating 2,863 points, 854 rebounds, and 582 assists while earning McDonald's All-American honors as a senior in 2018, when he averaged 29.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.[4] A top-10 national recruit, he committed to the University of Kansas, starting all 36 games as a freshman in 2018–19 and averaging 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.[5][6] After transferring to the University of Houston, Grimes thrived in his sophomore (2019–20) and junior (2020–21) seasons, boosting his scoring to 12.1 points per game as a sophomore and earning American Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors as a junior with 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, helping lead the Cougars to the NCAA Final Four.[7][5][8] Selected 25th overall in the 2021 NBA draft by the New York Knicks (via trade rights from the Los Angeles Clippers), Grimes spent three seasons with the Knicks, developing into a reliable perimeter defender and shooter with career averages of 8.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 36.7% from three-point range.[3][1] Traded to the Detroit Pistons in February 2024, then to the Dallas Mavericks in July 2024, and to the 76ers in February 2025, he has posted strong performances, including a career-high 44 points on March 1, 2025, against the Golden State Warriors, and as of November 15, 2025, averaging 16.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in the 2025–26 season with Philadelphia.[2]Early life and high school career
Early life
Quentin Grimes was born on May 8, 2000, in Houston, Texas.[9] He grew up in the nearby suburb of The Woodlands, where he attended local schools before entering high school.[1] Throughout his high school years, Grimes maintained a weighted GPA of 3.38, demonstrating academic diligence alongside his athletic pursuits.[10] The son of Marshall Grimes, a former college basketball player at Santa Clara University and Louisiana Tech, and Tonja Stelly, who competed in basketball and tennis at Fort Hays State University, Grimes was immersed in a family with strong athletic roots.[11][12] He has an older maternal half-brother, Tyler Myers, a professional ice hockey defenseman in the National Hockey League, though the siblings grew up apart due to Myers relocating to Canada shortly after Grimes's birth.[13] This familial athletic environment, combined with Houston's vibrant basketball culture, shaped his early exposure to the sport. Grimes developed an initial interest in basketball at a young age, often accompanying his father to the gym and beginning organized play around age 9 through AAU teams, where he quickly distinguished himself among peers.[12][13]High school career
Quentin Grimes attended The Woodlands College Park High School in The Woodlands, Texas, from 2014 to 2018, where he played basketball for the Cavaliers.[14] Over his four-year varsity career, he started all 146 games, accumulating 2,863 points, 854 rebounds, and 582 assists.[4] As a sophomore in the 2015–16 season, Grimes emerged as a key contributor, averaging 16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.[7] During his junior year in 2016–17, he had a breakout performance, leading the team with an average of 28.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while earning District 12-6A MVP honors and a spot on the MaxPreps Junior All-American team; the Cavaliers advanced to the playoffs that season.[7][15][16] In his senior year of 2017–18, Grimes averaged 29.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game, guiding the Cavaliers to a 21–13 record, a District 12-6A championship, and an appearance in the regional semifinals of the Texas 6A playoffs.[4][17] He recorded a standout 50-point game during the season and was named the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year.[18][17] Outside of high school, Grimes gained national exposure playing AAU basketball for the Houston Hoops program.[19]Recruiting
Grimes emerged as a highly touted prospect in the class of 2018, earning five-star status across major recruiting services. He was ranked No. 8 overall in the ESPN 100, No. 13 in the 247Sports Composite, and No. 8 by Rivals.com in their final rankings.[20][21] His recruitment drew interest from numerous blue-chip programs, including offers from Arizona, Baylor, Kansas, Kentucky, Marquette, Texas, and Texas A&M. Early in his process, Grimes considered Houston-area schools but ultimately opened his recruitment nationally, prioritizing opportunities on a larger stage. He narrowed his list to a final seven in August 2017 and scheduled official visits to Texas, Kentucky, Kansas, and Marquette that fall.[14][22][23] On November 15, 2017, Grimes announced his verbal commitment to Kansas during a press conference at The Woodlands College Park High School, choosing the Jayhawks over finalists Kentucky and Marquette. He cited Kansas's winning tradition and the opportunity to play under Hall of Fame coach Bill Self as key factors, along with a family connection—his mother had attended the university. Grimes signed his National Letter of Intent during the early signing period later that month, becoming the fourth commit in Kansas's top-ranked 2018 class.[24][25][26]College career
Kansas Jayhawks (2018–2019)
Quentin Grimes played his freshman season with the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018–19 campaign, appearing in all 36 games and starting each one as a highly touted recruit expected to fill a key perimeter role following the departure of several veterans. Averaging 27.4 minutes per game, he contributed 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 38.4% from the field, 34.0% from three-point range, and 60.3% from the free-throw line.[5] His debut against Michigan State was a highlight, where he scored 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, setting a strong tone early in the season.[27] However, Grimes faced challenges adjusting to the college level, exhibiting inconsistency in his performance, particularly with turnovers and shooting efficiency during Big 12 play, where he averaged around 8.0 points but showed flashes of potential in key matchups, such as 17 points against Oklahoma State.[28] As a starter alongside point guard Devon Dotson, Grimes was part of a young backcourt tasked with leading the offense under coach Bill Self, but the Jayhawks' overall inconsistency—finishing 26-10 and reaching the Sweet 16—mirrored his own developmental hurdles. He occasionally dealt with minor issues like cramps during high-stakes games, such as the Big 12 tournament semifinal, but no major injuries sidelined him significantly.[29] Despite the minutes, Grimes expressed frustration with his role and development, noting in post-season reflections that the situation at Kansas felt limiting for his growth.[30] Following the season, Grimes declared for the 2019 NBA draft in April, hiring an agent and participating in the NBA Draft Combine to gauge professional interest.[31] On May 29, 2019, he withdrew his name from the draft and entered the NCAA transfer portal, seeking a better fit for his playing style and development. He ultimately committed to the University of Houston in June 2019, citing proximity to his Texas family as a key factor and the opportunity for a more comfortable environment closer to home.[32] Kansas coach Bill Self supported the decision, praising Grimes' talent while acknowledging the move allowed him to pursue what was best for his career.[33]Houston Cougars (2019–2021)
After transferring from the University of Kansas in search of greater playing opportunities, Quentin Grimes joined the Houston Cougars for the 2019–20 season, where he was granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA.[34] In 30 games, with starts in 21, he averaged 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 32.6% from three-point range, contributing to Houston's 23–8 overall record and AAC regular-season championship before the season was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.[35][36] During the 2020–21 season, Grimes emerged as a starter in all 30 games he played, averaging 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with a marked improvement in three-point shooting at 40.3%.[37] He also stood out defensively, recording 1.4 steals per game.[5] His contributions helped propel Houston to a 28–4 record, including an AAC Tournament victory and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where the Cougars advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1984 before falling to Baylor.[38][39] Grimes' breakout junior campaign earned him unanimous First Team All-AAC honors, AAC Co-Player of the Year, and Most Outstanding Player of the 2021 AAC Tournament.[7][40] He also received Third Team All-American recognition from multiple outlets, including the Associated Press, underscoring his development into a versatile perimeter defender and scorer.[41]National team career
USA Basketball youth programs
Grimes received his initial invitation to a USA Basketball youth program during his senior year of high school, selected to participate in the 2017 USA Men's Junior National Team October Minicamp based on his standout performances in AAU tournaments and high school games.[42][43] The event, held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from October 7-8, gathered 54 of the nation's top high school basketball prospects, including future NBA talents like Zion Williamson, Romeo Langford, and Bol Bol, providing Grimes with an early opportunity to train alongside elite peers.[43][44] The minicamp served as a key developmental pipeline for USA Basketball, focusing on evaluating and preparing young athletes for upcoming international competitions such as the FIBA U17 and U19 World Cups through structured training.[43] Grimes engaged in intensive morning and afternoon sessions that emphasized skill enhancement, including on-court drills tailored to positional needs like perimeter defense and shooting mechanics for guards.[45] These activities not only honed technical abilities but also fostered team chemistry, as participants spent extended time together off the court, allowing Grimes to build early relationships with other top prospects who would later become professional counterparts.[46] In March 2018, Grimes was named to the USA Junior National Select Team for the 21st annual Nike Hoop Summit, held on April 13 in Portland, Oregon.[47] Competing against the World Select Team in the international showcase, he recorded 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, though the USA team fell 89–76.[48][49]2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship
Following his high school graduation in May 2018, Quentin Grimes was selected to the USA Men's U18 National Team for the 2018 FIBA U18 Americas Championship, held from June 10 to 16 in St. Catharines, Canada.[4] The 12-member roster, coached by University of Kansas head coach Bill Self, included several top high school prospects and aimed to extend the USA's dominance in the event, having won the previous four editions.[50] Grimes, a 6-foot-5 guard from The Woodlands, Texas, joined the team after participating in a preparatory minicamp in Colorado Springs. The USA team went undefeated with a 6-0 record, culminating in a gold medal victory over Canada in the final.[51] Grimes started all six games, providing versatile scoring and playmaking as a key perimeter contributor. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, helping the team outscore opponents by an average margin of 31 points.[52] His performance earned him the tournament Most Valuable Player award and a spot on the All-Tournament Team.[53] In the semifinal against Argentina, Grimes delivered a standout effort with 26 points and 8 rebounds, fueling a 104-92 win that advanced the USA to the championship game.[54] He followed with another strong showing in the final, starting and recording 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a decisive 113-74 rout of Canada.[53] This international exposure marked Grimes' first major senior-level competition abroad, enhancing his defensive awareness and transition play while contributing to the USA's fifth consecutive title.[50]Professional career
New York Knicks (2021–2024)
Grimes was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft before his rights were traded to the New York Knicks on draft night in exchange for the 21st overall pick (Keon Johnson).[55] On August 6, 2021, he signed a four-year rookie scale contract with the Knicks worth $11,137,360. His college success at Houston, where he averaged 17.8 points and shot 40.0% from three-point range to earn AAC Player of the Year honors, had elevated his draft stock as a versatile wing shooter.[55] In his rookie season during 2021–22, Grimes appeared in 46 games off the bench for the Knicks, averaging 6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 17.1 minutes per game while shooting 38.1% from three-point range on 4.1 attempts.[56] He quickly established himself as a reliable role player, contributing defensively on the perimeter and providing spacing with his catch-and-shoot ability, including a career-high 27 points in his first NBA start against the Jazz on December 12, 2021. His energy and on-ball defense earned him increased minutes late in the season under coach Tom Thibodeau.[57] Over the next two seasons, Grimes transitioned into a more prominent role, starting 66 of 71 games in 2022–23 and averaging 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.7% from three.[56] Known for his tenacity guarding elite wings, he anchored the Knicks' perimeter defense during their run to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where he started all nine playoff games and limited opponents' shooting efficiency.[58] In 2023–24, injuries including knee soreness and a shoulder issue restricted him to 45 games with the Knicks, where he averaged 7.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 20.2 minutes, often coming off the bench due to the team's depth.[10] On February 8, 2024, Grimes was traded to the Detroit Pistons in a four-team deal that sent Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks to New York, facilitating the Knicks' acquisition of OG Anunoby from Toronto; in return, Detroit received Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono, two future second-round picks, and cash considerations.[59]Detroit Pistons (2024)
On February 8, 2024, the New York Knicks traded Quentin Grimes, along with Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono, and two future second-round picks, to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks.[60] This move was part of the Knicks' push for playoff contention, while the Pistons aimed to acquire younger talent amid their rebuilding efforts.[61] Grimes appeared in just six games for the Pistons during the remainder of the 2023–24 season, averaging 5.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 19.2 minutes per game.[3] His tenure was heavily limited by ongoing knee soreness that sidelined him for much of the time after the trade, restricting his integration into the rotation.[62] As a bench contributor, Grimes focused primarily on defensive contributions, providing perimeter defense and spacing to support the young core led by Cade Cunningham, though the Pistons finished the season with a league-worst 14–68 record plagued by injuries and inconsistency.[63][64] On June 28, 2024, the Pistons traded Grimes to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round picks (2025, 2028, and 2030), as part of ongoing roster adjustments during the NBA Draft.[62] This deal allowed Detroit to shed salary and acquire draft assets, while Grimes departed without establishing a long-term role on the rebuilding squad.[65]Dallas Mavericks (2024–2025)
On July 6, 2024, the Dallas Mavericks acquired Quentin Grimes from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr. and three future second-round draft picks (one in 2025 and two in 2028).[62][66] This move came shortly after Grimes had been traded to Detroit from the New York Knicks at the 2024 NBA trade deadline, positioning him as a perimeter defender and shooter to complement Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.[67] During the 2024–25 season, Grimes served primarily as a sixth man and occasional spot starter for the Mavericks, appearing in 47 games with 12 starts while averaging 22.8 minutes per game.[3] He contributed 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, showcasing improved shooting efficiency with a 39.8% success rate from three-point range on 4.1 attempts per game.[3] Defensively, Grimes provided versatility on the perimeter, often guarding opposing wings and using his 6-foot-5 frame and quick hands to disrupt passing lanes, which helped stabilize Dallas's backcourt rotations amid injuries and inconsistencies.[68][69] His role emphasized spacing the floor alongside the Mavericks' star guards, though the team struggled overall, finishing with a 39–43 record and missing the playoffs as the 10th seed in the Western Conference.[70] On February 4, 2025, ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Mavericks traded Grimes and a 2025 second-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for forward Caleb Martin.[71][72] The deal allowed Dallas to add Martin's multi-positional defense and playoff experience while shedding Grimes' salary to manage roster flexibility, though it later drew criticism as Grimes excelled post-trade.[73][74]Philadelphia 76ers (2025–present)
On February 4, 2025, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Quentin Grimes from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for forward Caleb Martin.[71] Following the trade, Grimes signed a one-year qualifying offer worth $8.7 million in October 2025, securing his spot on the roster for the 2025–26 season and positioning him as an unrestricted free agent in 2026.[75] Grimes has emerged as the starting shooting guard for the 76ers, forming a dynamic backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey while complementing center Joel Embiid in the frontcourt.[2] His role emphasizes on-ball scoring, playmaking, and perimeter defense, with the team valuing his ability to handle secondary ball-handling duties and facilitate in the offense.[76] As of November 15, 2025, the 76ers hold a 7–4 record, sitting second in the Eastern Conference, buoyed by Grimes' contributions in their early-season push.[3] In his first 11 games of the 2025–26 season as of November 15, 2025, Grimes is averaging 16.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while shooting 46.7% from the field and 38% from three-point range.[2] This includes a career-high 44 points against the Golden State Warriors on November 5, 2025. He has notched four games with 20 or more points, highlighting his scoring efficiency and growing impact as a key offensive option.[2]Awards and honors
High school
During his high school basketball career at The Woodlands College Park High School, Quentin Grimes earned numerous accolades recognizing his outstanding performance as a versatile guard. In 2018, Grimes was named the Gatorade Texas Boys Basketball Player of the Year, an honor given to the state's most outstanding high school boys' basketball player based on athletic excellence, academic achievement, and character.[17] He also received Texas Mr. Basketball honors that year, awarded to the top high school basketball player in Texas by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.[6] Additionally, he was selected as the 6A Player of the Year, highlighting his dominance in Texas's highest classification of high school basketball.[6] Grimes was chosen for the 2018 McDonald's All-American Game, an elite all-star event featuring the nation's top 24 high school seniors.[77] He earned District 12-6A Most Valuable Player honors in both the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons, leading his team to district titles and playoff berths each year, including a run to the regional quarterfinals in 2018.[78][79][4] These recognitions were bolstered by his senior-year averages of 29.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.[17]College
Quentin Grimes earned the following awards during his college basketball career:- Third-team All-American – AP, NABC, SN, USBWA (2021)[41]
- AAC Co-Player of the Year (2021)[7]
- First-team All-AAC (2021)[7]
- AAC Tournament MVP (2021)[7]
| Season | School | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Kansas | 36 | 8.4 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 34.0 |
| 2019–20 | Houston | 30 | 12.1 | 3.7 | 2.6 | 32.6 |
| 2020–21 | Houston | 30 | 17.8 | 5.7 | 2.0 | 40.3 |
| Career | - | 96 | 12.8 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 36.6 |
Professional and international
During his rookie season with the New York Knicks in 2021–22, Grimes earned a spot on the NBA 2K23 All-Summer League First Team after averaging 23.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over five outings in Las Vegas, showcasing his scoring efficiency with a 50.0% field goal percentage and 46.2% from three-point range.[80] In 2023, Grimes was selected to participate in the Jordan Brand Rising Stars Game during NBA All-Star Weekend, where he represented Team Joakim Noah and scored a game-high 14 points in the semifinal win before adding 13 points, including three three-pointers, in the championship game despite the loss.[81] On the international stage, Grimes contributed to the United States' gold medal victory at the 2018 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where he was named tournament MVP after averaging 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, while earning All-Tournament Team honors for his defensive prowess and clutch performances.[4] Later in his professional career, Grimes joined the 2023 USA Select Team in Las Vegas, training alongside the senior national team to prepare for the FIBA World Cup and providing valuable practice opposition.[4]Career statistics
College
Quentin Grimes began his college basketball career at the University of Kansas during the 2018–19 season, where he started all 36 games, averaging 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.[6] After transferring to the University of Houston, he spent two seasons with the Cougars from 2019 to 2021. In 2019–20, he played 30 games, averaging 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. In 2020–21, he played 30 games, averaging 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.[7] Over his entire college career spanning 96 games at both institutions, Grimes averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, shooting 36.6% from three-point range.[3] The following table summarizes his per-game averages by season:| Season | School | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Kansas | 36 | 8.4 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 34.0 |
| 2019–20 | Houston | 30 | 12.1 | 3.7 | 2.6 | 32.6 |
| 2020–21 | Houston | 30 | 17.8 | 5.7 | 2.0 | 40.3 |
| Career | - | 96 | 12.5 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 36.6 |
NBA regular season
Grimes made his NBA debut with the New York Knicks during the 2021–22 season, appearing in 46 games and averaging 6.0 points per game while shooting 40.4% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range.[56] In the 2022–23 season, still with the Knicks, he played 71 games, boosting his scoring to 11.3 points per game on 46.8% field goal shooting and 38.6% from beyond the arc.[82] During the 2023–24 season, split between the Knicks and Detroit Pistons, Grimes appeared in 51 games, averaging 7.0 points per game with 37.2% field goal accuracy and 33.8% three-point shooting.[83] In 2024–25, split between the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers, he had a breakout year, playing 75 games and averaging 14.6 points per game on 46.7% field goal shooting and 38.5% from three.[56] As of November 15, 2025, in the 2025–26 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Grimes has played 12 games, averaging 16.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range.[56] Across 255 regular-season games in his career to date, Grimes has averaged 10.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, with shooting splits of 43.9% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.[3] His career player efficiency rating stands at 12.6, and his true shooting percentage is 58.6%.[84][85]| Season | Team | G | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | NYK | 46 | 17.1 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 40.4 | 38.1 |
| 2022–23 | NYK | 71 | 29.9 | 11.3 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 46.8 | 38.6 |
| 2023–24 | NYK/DET | 51 | 20.1 | 7.0 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 37.2 | 33.8 |
| 2024–25 | DAL/PHI | 75 | 26.8 | 14.6 | 4.3 | 3.0 | 46.7 | 38.5 |
| 2025–26 | PHI | 12 | 30.9 | 16.6 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 46.7 | 39.2 |
| Career | 255 | 24.6 | 10.8 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 43.9 | 37.5 |