The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a rocky stretch following the trade deadline, going 0-3 since acquiring Quentin Grimes and struggling to find rhythm despite Joel Embiid’s return. However, amid the losses, Grimes is already showing promise, working to establish on-court chemistry with the reigning MVP.
Embiid’s Return & Grimes’ Integration
After missing over a month due to knee swelling, Embiid was cleared to return against the Detroit Pistons last Friday. His 30-minute performance was a step toward regaining consistency, but the Sixers fell short, losing by 13 points.
Grimes, making his Philly debut that night, logged 28 minutes off the bench, a solid first showing for the newly acquired guard.
His role expanded over the next two games:
- Against the Bucks (Sunday) – Grimes played 29 minutes, but the Sixers lost to a Milwaukee team missing Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- Against the Raptors (Tuesday) – Grimes earned his first second-half start, playing 35 minutes, yet Philly still came up short against a rebuilding Toronto squad.
Grimes on Playing with Embiid: “It’s an Adjustment”
Despite the early losses, Grimes is already learning the nuances of playing alongside Embiid. The former Mavericks guard acknowledged that he’s never played with a star who commands as much defensive attention as Embiid.
“I haven’t really played with a guy like that, that draws so much attention from double teams when they have the whole team kind of loading up on him like that,” Grimes said.
“It’s an adjustment for sure, but just finding my spots out there to help him and relieve some of that pressure when they double him, knowing where I can get my shots on the wing now. I know he’s talking to me more about that, definitely building that relationship with him out there.”
This relationship will be crucial if the Sixers hope to turn things around and push for a Play-In spot down the stretch.
Grimes’ Early Numbers: Signs of Promise?
Through three games in Philly, Grimes has posted solid numbers:
✔ 12.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG
✔ 44% FG / 28% 3PT (6 attempts per game)
While his three-point shooting hasn’t clicked yet, Grimes is adjusting to his new role as a complementary piece to Embiid—and his ability to space the floor could be vital for Philly’s offense.
Can the Sixers Salvage Their Season?
Philadelphia’s 0-3 record since the trade deadline is concerning, and with just one win since Embiid’s return, they have plenty of work to do.
But as Grimes builds chemistry with Embiid and the team adjusts to their post-trade roster, the Sixers hope to turn things around in the coming weeks.
For now, all eyes will be on how quickly this duo can click—because if they don’t, Philly’s Play-In hopes could slip away fast.
