Dallas won their first Summer League game of the year against the Boston Celtics on Friday, with Olivier-Maxence Prosper shining as he finished with 22 points. Despite a rough start to Summer League, Prosper showcased the potential that excites everyone.
While the offseason has mostly been thrilling for Mavs fans, especially with the acquisition of Klay Thompson through a six-team sign-and-trade, there was also a significant loss in this deal.
Quentin Grimes to Shine with Josh Green Gone
As part of the sign-and-trade, Dallas sent Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte had been eyeing Green since the trade deadline and successfully added the young guard to their core this summer.
Losing Green is a blow, as he had shown great potential through his hustle, energy, and 3-point shooting. However, his departure creates the perfect opportunity for a newly acquired guard to step up for the Mavs.
Last month, Dallas traded Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round picks to the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes. Grimes now has the chance to be a more significant role player than many realize.
Last season, Grimes averaged 7.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 37.2 percent from the field. Although those numbers aren’t eye-popping, he has the potential to fill Green’s role seamlessly.
Despite his shooting percentages, Grimes has the potential to be a better shooter than Green was in Dallas. Grimes often takes tougher shots, including shooting off the dribble, and he’ll get excellent looks playing alongside Luka Doncic.
Grimes also has the ability to attack closeouts, finish at the rim, or pass the ball to a big, and he is focused on improving his playmaking. He knows that enhancing his playmaking would elevate his game, and he has two bigs that will make that easier for him.
Defensively, Grimes is a pest who will thrive in Jason Kidd’s system. He is an outstanding defender who takes on the toughest matchups with pride and does so effectively.
Going into next year, Grimes might be the best guard defender on the team. The Mavs replaced Derrick Jones Jr.’s point-of-attack defense by trading for him.
While Grimes has plenty to prove after a rough end to last year with the Pistons, he is poised to fill Green’s role valiantly and could become a fan favorite on the Mavs.
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