The Knicks’ 2021 draft class might currently find themselves in trade rumors, but let’s not forget that they had a pretty memorable first season together in 2021-22.

On July 29, 2021, the lives of 60 young men were changed forever. This was, of course, the day of the 2021 NBA Draft. Four of those young men, Quentin Grimes, Rokas Jokubaitis, Miles “Deuce” McBride, and Jericho Sims, were drafted by the New York Knicks. While Jokubaitis would not suit it up for the Knicks last season, the other three played varying roles for the Knicks this past season. How did they perform? And what can we expect from them going forward (assuming all three survive Donovan Mitchell trade season)? Let’s dive in.

Quentin Grimes

I won’t sugarcoat it — my 2021 draft knowledge was, to say the least, limited. When draft day came, I mostly trailed the opinions of smarter and more informed people than me. So it was a bit disappointing when the pick of Grimes was met with an overwhelming lack of enthusiasm. Besides, after the surprise season the 2020-21 Knicks had, I was more focused on the set rotation we had. And then Summer League happened.

The NBA Draft is fairly simple to me; the bad teams draft for ceiling, while the good ones emphasize safer, higher-floor picks who can provide a role player skill you need. The Knicks needed shooting, and the book on Grimes said if he could do one thing, it was just that. And shoot he did. Grimes came out of the gate shooting from everywhere. He was exactly the type of shooter the Knicks needed, too; a movement shooter who does not require the ball in his hands to be effective.

There was also some mention of his defense which, in my opinion, sold him short. Grimes showcased a combination of effort, versatility, and defensive IQ that was beyond his years. 

Grimes’ shooting and defense alone should have made him a candidate for the Knicks’ rotation immediately. Unfortunately, the Knicks’ rotation’s biggest strength headed into the season was its depth. The Knicks returned nine of their rotation pieces from the previous year’s playoff run, and then added a new backcourt of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. Grimes would have to be patient. And then, in early December, it happened. With RJ Barrett and Alec Burks sidelined, Grimes was thrust into the starting lineup… and he did not disappoint.

This clip showcases a lot of what Grimes brings. Zero dribbles, elite relocation, high release, beautiful jump shot.

And here we have Grimes negating a screen from the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Finally, here is Grimes showcasing a little off-the-bounce creating ability.

My profile on Quentin Grimes is that he is a player all 30 teams in the NBA want, which makes it obvious why his name has come up so often in the Donovan Mitchell discussions. I feel comfortable saying that the Knicks got an absolute steal at the 25th pick in 2021, just as they did in 2020 with Immanuel Quickley. Grimes has shown enough that him being an elite movement shooter as well as an elite, versatile wing defender are both incredibly reasonable outcomes. I don’t see him ever being a primary engine for an offense, 2022 Summer League showing aside, but how often do you find one of those at the 25th pick? You know who can be a primary engine for an offense? RJ Barrett. And Grimes is a perfect fit next to Barrett. Grimes can take some of the pressure off of Barrett on the defensive end of the floor, while using his shooting and movement to open up space for him on offense. The two of them shared the court for only 241 sporadic minutes last season, I hope we see much more going forward.

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