NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Ranking 4 perfect backcourt options to pair with Jalen Brunson long-term
Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center on February 07, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
2: Quentin Grimes
When viewing both Grimes and LaVine from an individual comparison standpoint, LaVine is obviously the better player. When taking into account the titular long-term partnership with Jalen Brunson, Grimes has a slight edge.
The former first-round pick was inserted into the opening lineup full-time on November 20th, 2022, and never looked back. He averaged 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game as a starter on 47-39-80 splits while picking up the toughest perimeter matchup on defense every night.
Quentin Grimes made this crucial play in his 46th minute on the court last night. Grimes had 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks & spent a lot of time defending Jimmy Butler in his 48 minutes on the floor during NYK’s Game 5 win: pic.twitter.com/OYG7cRJnoW
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 11, 2023
Grimes operated in a primarily catch-and-shoot role, allowing Brunson to spend more time with the ball in his hands and run New York’s offense. He wasn’t tasked with too much playmaking responsibility, but he showed flashes of elite passing vision.
9.9% of his passes resulted in assists last season, the third-highest mark on the team behind Brunson and Josh Hart.
He just turned 23 a couple of months ago, and he’ll be entering this upcoming season as a surefire starter for the first time in his career. After improving his averages across the board from his rookie to sophomore years, it’s almost a certainty that fans haven’t come close to seeing the best version of Grimes.
His long-term fit next to Brunson is perhaps better than any other player on the ranking, as it wouldn’t be overly difficult to imagine the two coexisting in New York’s backcourt for the better part of the next decade.
A “3&D” guard who can operate as a tertiary playmaker while also not needing the ball in his hands is the exact archetype that complements the Knicks’ star point guard, and Grimes fits the bill.
https://t.co/8hMm0OqLE3 <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://t.co/8z1FUnDy0Y">pic.twitter.com/8z1FUnDy0Y
<p>— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/1610818746440089602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>January 5, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>In those seven games, Brunson averaged 26.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from three. In that same timeframe, Quickley put up 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest while making 51% of his field goals and 42% of his threes.</p>
<p>The only things keeping him from being higher on the ranking are the established success the Knicks already have with staggering their minutes, as well as the previously mentioned minuscule sample size.</p>
<p>It’s also worth noting that Quickley averaged more points and assists as a starter without Brunson next to him.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A two-time All-Star </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-146725" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1706,w_2560/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1466089645-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1706" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1466089645-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1466089645-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1466089645-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1466089645-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles against the Orlando Magic during the second half at United Center on February 13, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>3: Zach LaVine</h3>
<p>The Knicks’ interest in LaVine has been apparent for some time now, with New York <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10083347-zach-lavine-trade-rumors-knicks-contacted-bulls-asking-price-was-giant-for-star" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> contacting Chicago recently to initiate a trade. The sides never got close to an agreement before ending talks, however.</p>
<p>It makes sense why team president Leon Rose wants to add LaVine, one of the best offensive shooting guards in the league.</p>
<p>He just completed his fifth consecutive year averaging at least 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He also connected on 38.8% of his triples over that same span, taking a whopping 7.1 attempts each night.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach from Hermosa Beach!<a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://twitter.com/ZachLaVine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@ZachLaVine | <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://twitter.com/NBCSChicago?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@NBCSChicago <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://t.co/3P9Jt4e3l2">pic.twitter.com/3P9Jt4e3l2
<p>— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1640109742428389376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>March 26, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>His combination of long-range shooting talent and athletic finishing ability at the rim is only matched by a handful of players, making him more than worthy of being labeled as a true three-level scorer.</p>
<p>LaVine’s slashing, sweet-shooting playstyle would fit perfectly next to Brunson’s floor-bound, post-centric arsenal of deadly mid-range jumpers.</p>
<p>One of the only concerns is the price it would take to acquire him, which could hurt New York’s chances of building a consistent winner if they’re forced to give up too many first-round picks or young players.</p>
<p>Another concern is on the defensive end, where the 28-year-old’s effort levels fluctuate from game to game. It’s one of the main reasons why he <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://www.nba.com/stats/players/advanced?CF=MIN*G*10&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&TeamID=1610612741&dir=A&sort=NET_RATING%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">ranked</a> a mere ninth in net rating among the 12 Bulls players to average at least 10 minutes per contest last year.</p>
<p>A Brunson and LaVine-led backcourt would produce highlights in Madison Square Garden on a nightly basis, consistently picking up wins in the process. Questions about the cost of acquisition for the Chicago star as well as the pair’s tenacity on defense keep LaVine from being higher in the ranking, though.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A current teammate with more room to develop </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-139729" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2023%2F02%2F1465186586.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks, Quentin Grimes" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2023/02/1465186586.jpeg 1600w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2023/02/1465186586-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center on February 07, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>2: Quentin Grimes</h3>
<p>When viewing both Grimes and LaVine from an individual comparison standpoint, LaVine is obviously the better player. When taking into account the titular long-term partnership with Jalen Brunson, Grimes has a slight edge.</p>
<p>The former first-round pick was inserted into the opening lineup full-time on November 20th, 2022, and never looked back. He averaged 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game as a starter on 47-39-80 splits while picking up the toughest perimeter matchup on defense every night.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quentin Grimes made this crucial play in his 46th minute on the court last night. Grimes had 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks & spent a lot of time defending Jimmy Butler in his 48 minutes on the floor during NYK’s Game 5 win: <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://t.co/OYG7cRJnoW">pic.twitter.com/OYG7cRJnoW
<p>— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://twitter.com/IanBegley/status/1656664012648747010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 11, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>Grimes operated in a primarily catch-and-shoot role, allowing Brunson to spend more time with the ball in his hands and run New York’s offense. He wasn’t tasked with too much playmaking responsibility, but he showed flashes of elite passing vision.</p>
<p>9.9% of his passes resulted in assists last season, the third-highest mark on the team behind Brunson and Josh Hart.</p>
<p>He just turned 23 a couple of months ago, and he’ll be entering this upcoming season as a surefire starter for the first time in his career. After improving his averages across the board from his rookie to sophomore years, it’s almost a certainty that fans haven’t come close to seeing the best version of Grimes.</p>
<p>His long-term fit next to Brunson is perhaps better than any other player on the ranking, as it wouldn’t be overly difficult to imagine the two coexisting in New York’s backcourt for the better part of the next decade.</p>
<p>A “3&D” guard who can operate as a tertiary playmaker while also not needing the ball in his hands is the exact archetype that complements the Knicks’ star point guard, and Grimes fits the bill.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A New York native coming home </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-146729" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1707,w_2560/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1474029077-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1474029077-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1474029077-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1474029077-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1474029077-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 12, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>1: Donovan Mitchell</h3>
<p>Despite the Knicks’ front office not caving into the Utah Jazz’s trade demands last offseason before Donovan Mitchell was shipped to Cleveland, it still feels as though there’s a good chance of him donning the blue and orange in the near future.</p>
<p>He’s under contract for two more seasons, but the Cavaliers <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://dailyknicks.com/2023/07/27/donovan-mitchell-extension-speculation-music-ears-knicks-fans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may attempt to trade him earlier</a> and receive a lesser return just to ensure that he wouldn’t walk for nothing in 2025. Especially if they suffer a few more early postseason exits.</p>
<p>Mitchell’s strengths and weaknesses overlap with LaVine’s quite a bit, although he’s two years younger and has a long track record of stepping up his game in the playoffs. It would also take less to acquire him, assuming he signs as a free agent or he’s dealt for a smaller return due to the relatively small amount of remaining time on his deal.</p>
<p>However, Mitchell isn’t just an elite shooter and an athletic finisher. He’s one of the best offensive players in the entire NBA. He’s increased his true shooting percentage in each of the past five seasons and has also improved his scoring average in four of those years.</p>
<p>That uptick in both volume and efficiency is incredible, leading up to a 2022-23 season where he averaged 28.3 points and 4.4 assists while shooting just under 39% from deep on 9.3 attempts per game. He finished sixth in MVP voting and made All-NBA second team.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SPIDA HIT THE SHAMMGOD 🕷🔥</p>
<p>Cavs bench was loving it <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://t.co/5OC9b3IlGw">pic.twitter.com/5OC9b3IlGw
<p>— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1638348581689245697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>March 22, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>A potential Brunson/Mitchell duo would immediately become one of the best backcourts in the league, a two-man offensive force. While the defensive fit isn’t as seamless as Grimes or Quickley, the sheer scoring output from Brunson and Mitchell would be enough to give opposing coaches nightmares.</p>
<p>While the undersized backcourt of Mitchell and Darius Garland hasn’t delivered stellar results for Cleveland, it can also be attributed to playing in a frontcourt with two non-shooters as well as subpar wing play.</p>
<p>While Julius Randle can be maddeningly inconsistent at times, he still attempts enough threes for defenses to respect him as a spacer when he’s hot. Barrett and Hart are also a much more versatile duo at the small forward position compared to Cleveland’s 2022 rotation of Isaac Okoro and Cedi Osman.</p>
<p>Mitchell has also developed several relationships with Knicks players off the court such as Hart, Quickley, and <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://twitter.com/jalenbrunson1/status/1142489990338924545?s=20%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">of course, Brunson</a>. He’s been seen golfing and attending New York Mets games with executive Allan Houston as well as Knicks superfan Spike Lee.</p>
<p>While there are some concerns regarding defense, Mitchell checks every other box when looking for a long-term backcourt partner to pair alongside Brunson. There isn’t another shooting guard in the NBA that the Knicks could realistically acquire that would be a better fit.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Donovan Mitchell extension speculation is music to ears of Knicks fans" data-url="https://dailyknicks.com/2023/07/27/donovan-mitchell-extension-speculation-music-ears-knicks-fans/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/08/03/ranking-4-perfect-backcourt-options-pair-jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks/3/"https://dailyknicks.com/2023/07/27/donovan-mitchell-extension-speculation-music-ears-knicks-fans/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Donovan Mitchell extension speculation is music to ears of Knicks fans </a> </div>
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