Through the Phog
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Quentin Grimes: What if Everything Works Out?

By William Oppenheim

AMES, IA - JANUARY 5: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts after technical foul was call on Kansas for 6 players on the court in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 5, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - JANUARY 5: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts after technical foul was call on Kansas for 6 players on the court in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on January 5, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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Former McDonald’s All-American Quentin Grimes declared for the NBA draft, which begs the question: What is his ceiling in the NBA?

I know Kansas fans, I too was shocked and, a little disappointed, when freshman guard Quentin Grimes declared for the NBA draft. In his lone season, Grimes was inconsistent, and honestly, mediocre.

But what if Grimes proves us wrong and reaches his true ceiling in the NBA?

I will expand the true potential for Grimes in the NBA. I will be rating Grimes’ most important attributes on a 1-10 scale (1 being D-league player- 10 being NBA all-star) for his potential in the NBA and what I expect from him in the NBA.

Shooting Potential:

Grimes’ natural shooting ability is undeniable. During his freshman year as a Jayhawk, fans experienced him at his highs and lows from the perimeter.

Sadly, the latter was normally more true than the former.

Given more time to develop, it felt like Grimes could have become a more elite shooter. His ability to combat his personal adversities on the court was a major issue however, as whenever he started a game off cold, he would disappear into the fold and not make an impact the rest of the game.

Grimes shooting ability in the NBA could prove helpful to any team that has the patience to let him develop.

Rating:

Potentially:  7 (Above average starter)

Expected: 5 (Average Starter)

Off-the-Dribble Potential:

LAWRENCE, KANSAS – NOVEMBER 16: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks controls the ball during the game against the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Allen Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – NOVEMBER 16: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks controls the ball during the game against the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Allen Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

The main reason Grimes had success driving and producing off the dribble was because he would force defenses to commit to his three ball and they would often bite on his fakes, allowing him fairly easy access to the lane.

This could be hard for him to find in the NBA however as the pure athleticism of guards and bigs alike in the NBA will not allow such easy passage to the lane.

Once again given time to actually work on his first step and beat players truly off of his moves I think he can reach an above average production in the NBA.

Rating:

Potentially: 6 (slightly above average starter)

Expected: 4 (Below Average starter)

Defensive Rating:

Grimes’ defense is the biggest reason I don’t understand why he left.

His basketball IQ needs major development and his defense was quite awful most of the year. What worries me the most about Grimes not waiting one more year to declare is the fact now his mind and defensive development alike will constantly be taken advantage of by better athletes and players in the NBA.

If Grimes was having trouble guarding Big 12 guards, such as Kerwin Roach (Texas) and Barry Brown (Kansas State), he will be completely obliterated by NBA guards.

Rating:

Potentially: 5 (average starter)

Expected: 2.5 (End of bench/ D-League talent)

I agree with all of the readers confused about Grimes declaration to the NBA, but if he reaches his potential, he could still be an average starter in the NBA, but I do not expect such occurrences to happen.

Final Expected Ranking: 11.5/30 (Fringe NBA/ G-League talent)

Final Potential Ranking:  18/30 (Slightly above average starter)

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