Knicks' Quentin Grimes Finds New Life After OG Anunoby Trade

Though removed from the New York Knicks' starting lineup, Quentin Grimes has found a new purpose since OG Anunoby's arrival.

The New York Knicks removed Quentin Grimes from their starting five earlier this season after he expressed frustration with his role and struggled to maintain the shooting consistency he had on display. But Grimes, to his credit, has rediscovered his spark in a reserve role and it couldn't have come at a better time.

New York's trade for OG Anunoby shook up its rotation, as removing backcourt mainstays RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley forced those left behind to take on larger roles. Grimes has accepted the challenge and then some in the early going.

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Since missing Dec. 30's game in Indiana with an illness, Grimes has averaged 10.8 points on 45 percent shooting from the field in just over 18 minutes a game during the Knicks' active four-game winning streak.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau took notice after Grimes capped off the Knicks' 128-92 blowout win over Philadelphia with 19 points in the fourth quarter, pairing it with a season-best eight rebounds.

"He’s playing very well, and we need everyone playing well," head coach Tom Thibodeau said, per Peter Botte of the New York Post. "That’s what we want, to get the best out of everybody and so it just seems to have worked out better this way. But we have a lot of confidence in him and we’re comfortable with him playing with the first unit and the second... so that versatility is important for us."

Anunoby Sets Knicks Record In Latest Win

This winning streak has brought the best out of Grimes, a first-round pick from 2021. With Quickley gone, the Knicks can remain a formidable force if Grimes continues to expand his offensive abilities.

Grimes and the Knicks (21-15) will be back in action on Tuesday night against the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (10-25) at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).